SkyDrive Collaborates with VPorts to Promote International Advanced Air Mobility Industry from Dubai

DUBAI, UAE, March 15, 2023 – SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading Japanese eVTOL1
manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Japan, and VPorts and Air Traffic Management Inc. (“VPorts”), the global leader in the design, construction, and operation of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure, have announced today that the two parties signed an initial set of agreements to collaborate on the technical and business aspect to leverage the world’s first AAM Integrator World Centre in Dubai for business development and market expansion for both parties

SkyDrive was formally established in July 2018 after testing flying car concepts and
prototypes from 2014 with the mission of “taking the lead in the once-in-a-century
mobility revolution.” Its vision is to create a future where everyone has access to eVTOLs
as their daily transportation in Japan and across the world. The company succeeded in
the first crewed flight test in Japan in 2019 and its eVTOL “SD-05”2 is in the process of
acquiring its Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) certification.
VPorts signed a strategic agreement with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub
(MBRAH) to establish the state-of-the-art AAM center on a 37,000-square-meter site
within Dubai South late last year. With the support of MBRAH and the General Civil
Aviation Authority (GCAA), VPorts will establish its Vertiport Operation Control Centre
(VOCC) hub as part of the AAM integrator world center in Dubai3
.
With this agreement, SkyDrive is considering using the AAM integrator world center as
part of its infrastructure to promote the continual growth of the international AAM
industry and accelerate the certification of its eVTOL aircraft. The two companies will
continue to collaborate toward the common goal of social implementation of flying
vehicles

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive, Inc stated that “We are pleased to be taking a part in
the UAE government’s strategy for AAM, particularly in Dubai as it is one of the fastest
growing and leading AAM markets in the world. As the leading eVTOL OEM in Japan, SkyDrive
is aiming to deliver full electric and compact eVTOL vehicles for air taxi services and we are
committed to making AAM transportation affordable to all in a highly accessible way, helping
commuters access city centers and mobility hubs. By collaborating with VPorts, we are able
to secure an air traffic corridor for our vehicle testing with our eVTOL capabilities which
would be essential to ensure its safety before deployment in the urban areas.” Fukuzawa
also added that “SkyDrive recognizes that UAE is one of the most important markets and it
is highly encouraging to be part of this strategic project which will promote AAM in the UAE,
whole GCC region and leading the global market by working together within Dubai South
and the GCAA.”

Dr. Fethi Chebil, CEO and Founder of VPorts, stated that “We welcome SkyDrive to join us in
shaping the future of the AAM sector by leveraging the world’s first integrator center,
including its facilities and airspace. Our presence in Dubai is in line with our strategy and
ambition to build and operate 1,500 vertiports around the world by 2045.”

Source : Skydrive