SkyDrive targets Florida market with two new US partnerships

Japanese eVTOL manufacturer SkyDrive has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Florida-based advanced air mobility (AAM) infrastructure provider Aeroauto Global for the purchase of eight SD-05 aircraft, with four units scheduled for delivery in 2028 and four in 2029. The company has also extended its existing partnership with air operations firm SAI Flight from South Carolina into Florida, where SAI holds its second-largest operational base.

SkyDrive says the two agreements form a partnership cluster it intends to use as the foundation for US service entry in 2028, targeting Florida’s tourism and business markets. The company has identified the US south-east as a strategic region for expansion, building on operational infrastructure already established in South Carolina.

Aeroauto will support aircraft deployment through its sales platform and vertiport development initiatives, while SAI Flight will provide air operations capability across the region.

“We are focused on demonstrating a tangible business foundation in the US, backed by an active supply chain and a functional sales network,” Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Chief Executive of SkyDrive, said.

Sean Borman, Founder and Chief Executive of Aeroauto, added: “Our partnership with SkyDrive brings together aircraft innovation, operational expertise, and infrastructure development. We are working to build the commercial gateway for eVTOL operations across Florida and the broader South-east United States.”

Source: SkyDrive