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<\/a><\/a>\nToday\u2019s Kickoff Meeting<\/b><\/p>
\nDuring the meeting held to mark the launch of the consortium, the consortium partners discussed a roadmap for public-private cooperation over the commercialization of eVTOL services based at the Osakako Vertiport. Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura shared his resolve to launch eVTOL services in Osaka, showing his strong support and expectations for the vertiport\u2019s success saying \u201cIn order to realize the 'Advanced Air Mobility Revolution' that allows people to fly freely starting from the Osakako Vertiport, we are committed to driving this initiative forward as a pioneer in Japan, in collaboration with all partners.\u201d<\/p>
\nDuring the meeting, the attending organizations unanimously accepted a proposal from Osaka Metro to form a consortium to organize and introduce commercial eVTOL operations at the vertiport.<\/p>
\nDuring the meeting, SkyDrive also revealed a roadmap for the commercialization of eVTOL services, showing the role played by the vertiport, before going on to detail how, with the particular support of the Osaka prefectural government, Osaka municipal government, and Osaka Metro, the consortium will investigate the use of existing infrastructure, such as the 146 emergency helicopter landing pads currently located throughout Osaka, to support eVTOL services.<\/p>
\nSkyDrive\u2019s Ongoing Initiatives in the Osaka Area<\/b><\/p>
\nPrior to today\u2019s consortium launch, SkyDrive was already working together with governmental and private-sector organizations to prepare for the introduction of commercial eVTOL in the Osaka area. These initiatives include a partnership with Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City signed in September 2021 and a business partnership agreement with Osaka Metro concluded in August 2024. In 2025, SkyDrive also showcased demonstration flights of its aircraft at the site of the 2025 Osaka Expo and also at the Osakako Vertiport, the dedicated eVTOL facility built by Osaka Metro next to Osaka Bay which is the focus of the new consortium\u2019s activities.<\/p>
\nWhile the consortium aims to promote the commercial use of the vertiport, SkyDrive and Osaka Metro are already harnessing the facility as a legacy of the Expo by working together on a calendar of vertiport events including exhibitions, chances to board mockups of the aircraft, and panel discussions on eVTOL. Together, this public-facing program helps to increase public awareness and acceptance of eVTOL technology.<\/p>
\nThe Path Forward<\/b><\/p>
\nIn March 2026, the Kansai Economic Federation (Kankeiren) declared its intention to support the introduction of commercial eVTOL services as part of its commitment to leveraging the legacy of the Osaka Expo (*3), publishing its vision which envisions an air mobility area serviced by around 100 eVTOL aircraft based in and around Osaka Bay. The vision aims to achieve this goal by 2035.<\/p>
\nSeen from a global perspective, these initiatives now underway in Osaka and the wider Kansai region to prepare for the commercial introduction of eVTOL are at the forefront of the industry, serving as a leading example of public-private cooperation. Together with this new consortium and other stakeholders, SkyDrive is harnessing the dynamism of the Kansai region to bring eVTOL to the public.<\/p>
\nAbout SkyDrive Inc.<\/b><\/p>
\nSkyDrive is a Japanese eVTOL company aiming \u201cto take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution\u201d. The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. Under its future vision for urban transportation, flying in eVTOLs will become a regular part of city life. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan. In 2025, the company successfully showcased the eVTOL \"SKYDRIVE\", the company\u2019s first eVTOL product, with demonstration flights at the Osaka Expo witnessed by thousands of visitors over a one-month period. SkyDrive began production of \u201cSKYDRIVE\u201d in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive's official production partner. SkyDrive has been working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to obtain certification for \u201cSKYDRIVE\u201d, with the aim of launching the aircraft into service in 2028. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur.<\/p>
\nFor more information, please visit: https:\/\/skydrive.co.jp\/<\/a><\/p> \nEditor\u2019s Notes:\n \nRelated press releases:\n