SkyDrive completes extended summer demonstration flight campaign in Osaka

SkyDrive successfully completed SkyDrive Type SD-05 public demonstration flight campaign. These eVTOL flights, flown over a period of approximately one and a half months, drew large crowds. The first series of flights, conducted between July 31 to August 24, took off from the "Mobility Experience" section of the Expo 2025 venue in Osaka.

Preceded by an opening ceremony on September 13, a further series of public flights, from September 14 to September 23, were then held at the nearby Osakako Vertiport, a takeoff and landing facility developed exclusively for eVTOL aircraft by Osaka Metro Co., Ltd., the operator of Osaka’s subway network. As the Osakako Vertiport is located in an urban area, in close proximity to residences, stores, and entertainment facilities, this second series of flights marked a significant step forward in the public acceptance of eVTOL.

The public flights at the Osakako Vertiport were preceded by a series of familiarization flights conducted from September 6 through September 12. The combination of familiarization flights and public flights at the Osakako Vertiport, continuing for a total of 18 days, is unprecedented in scope. As of September 2025, it is the most extensive development and testing program ever conducted by an eVTOL company in an urban setting (research by SkyDrive).

Summer 2025: operational highlights

- Expo Vertiport flight campaign details
July 31 - August 24: Demonstration flights (except planned no-flight days on August 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20)
Flights were generally held once daily at 9:30 AM, though some cancellations occurred during the period due to inclement weather.

- Osakako Vertiport flight campaign details
September 6-12: Familiarization flights
September 13: Opening ceremony for public flight campaign
September 14-23: Public flights (except planned no-flight days on September 17, 18)
Flights were held twice daily at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM, though some postponements occurred on September 15, 19, and 21 due to inclement weather.

Looking back at SkyDrive’s summer flight campaign: paving the way towards a revolution in air mobility

Between July 31 and August 24, flights from the Expo Vertiport drew large crowds of spectators from across Japan and overseas, significantly raising SkyDrive's international profile as a key player in the eVTOL industry operating out of Japan. The second series of flights at the Osakako Vertiport (see above) brought the SKYDRIVE into an urban setting for the first time, allowing local residents to see the aircraft up close in a neighborhood scheduled to host future eVTOL routes. The positive public response at both locations highlights growing anticipation over the upcoming urban air transport revolution. By demonstrating the aircraft in two distinct environments—one a global event space and the other a residential area—SkyDrive made significant strides toward building public acceptance of eVTOL technology, a critical step in the journey towards the future commercialization of the company’s products.