SkyDrive and South Korea's Verty Sign MOU to Prepare Commercial SD-05 eVTOL Operations by 2028

SkyDrive Inc., a Japan-based developer of compact eVTOL aircraft, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Verty Co. Ltd., a South Korean company building an integrated operational framework spanning flight operations, air traffic management and vertiport infrastructure. The agreement sets up a partnership to prepare for the introduction and commercial deployment of the SKYDRIVE (SD-05) eVTOL in South Korea.

The two companies will launch a joint feasibility study covering flight safety, infrastructure and operational routes, with a goal of beginning commercial deployment by 2028. Routes under consideration include scenic sightseeing flights at tourist destinations such as Jeju Island, and inter-city routes connecting urban centers around the Seoul Metropolitan Area, including Goyang City. Verty has verified integrated operating procedures across flight operations, air traffic control and vertiport management under South Korean government guidelines, and aims to become the country's first operator to secure an Air Operator Certificate for eVTOLs. Its "AAM as a Service" model provides operational capability to client companies without heavy upfront infrastructure investment.

Verty CEO Dong-Woo Kim said the company is preparing a tourism-focused model for initial commercialization, which requires an aircraft that can fly short routes cost-effectively, and that it found SkyDrive's three-seat SD-05 suited to this. He described SkyDrive as Japan's sole compact eVTOL developer currently pursuing type certification. SkyDrive founder and CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa said the company looks forward to offering safe, convenient air mobility options in South Korea. Beyond Japan, SkyDrive is expanding into markets including the U.S., the U.A.E., India, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia and Taiwan.