SkyDrive Expands U.S. Presence Through Strategic Florida Partnerships
SkyDrive Inc., a leading Japanese developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, has announced the signing of a Letter of Intent with Aeroauto Global Inc., a Florida-based Advanced Air Mobility integration partner and infrastructure provider. The agreement represents an important step in SkyDrive’s expansion strategy in the United States and establishes the framework for the purchase of eight SKYDRIVE (SD-05) aircraft, including preliminary pricing terms and a planned delivery schedule.
The collaboration highlights SkyDrive’s commitment to building a strong presence in Florida and expanding its network in the Southeastern United States. By working closely with Aeroauto and other regional partners, the company aims to accelerate the development and deployment of Advanced Air Mobility services across the region.
Partnership Cluster to Support Market Entry in 2028
In addition to the agreement with Aeroauto, SkyDrive has expanded its existing partnership with SAI Flight Services beyond South Carolina to include Florida. The aviation services company maintains one of its largest operational bases in the state, making it a key partner in supporting future eVTOL operations.
With these agreements, SkyDrive has established a strategic partnership cluster designed to support the gradual introduction of Advanced Air Mobility in the region. As interest in eVTOL technology continues to grow in Florida, the collaboration between SkyDrive, Aeroauto, and SAI will help create the infrastructure, operational expertise, and commercial ecosystem necessary to launch services successfully by 2028.
Florida has been identified as a high-potential market for urban air mobility due to its large tourism industry, expanding business centers, and supportive aviation infrastructure. Through these partnerships, SkyDrive aims to expand its influence across the Southeastern United States while strengthening its footprint in the American market.
Integrating Aircraft Development, Operations, and Infrastructure
The collaboration brings together complementary expertise from each partner to build a comprehensive foundation for eVTOL deployment in the United States. SkyDrive contributes its experience in designing and developing next-generation electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, while SAI Flight Services provides aviation operations and maintenance expertise.
At the same time, Aeroauto Global plays a key role in infrastructure development and aircraft sales, leveraging its established network within the Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem. By integrating these capabilities, the partners aim to create a seamless framework that supports aircraft operations, sales, infrastructure development, and customer engagement.
This integrated approach represents a significant step toward establishing a functional commercial ecosystem for eVTOL technology in the United States. The partnership is expected to drive collaboration among manufacturers, operators, and infrastructure providers while strengthening the readiness of the region for Advanced Air Mobility services.
Strategic Expansion Across the Southeastern United States
SkyDrive’s broader strategy is driven by its mission to lead what it describes as a once-in-a-century transformation in urban transportation. The company envisions a future where eVTOL aircraft become a common mode of transportation within cities, offering efficient, sustainable, and flexible mobility solutions.
The Southeastern United States has been identified as a key strategic region due to its strong aerospace industry, supportive regulatory environment, and growing demand for innovative transportation solutions. By building on its operational ecosystem in South Carolina and expanding into Florida, SkyDrive aims to create a regional network capable of supporting future air mobility services.
Through collaboration with local governments, airports, and regional stakeholders, the company plans to extend its development efforts across the Southeastern corridor. This initiative will contribute to the creation of new infrastructure, including vertiports and support systems necessary for the operation of electric air taxis and other advanced aviation services.
Aircraft Deployment Plans with Aeroauto
Under the terms of the Letter of Intent, Aeroauto plans to gradually deploy eight SKYDRIVE aircraft as part of its commercial rollout strategy. The initial phase includes the delivery of four aircraft scheduled for 2028, followed by an additional four units expected in 2029.
Aeroauto operates the world’s first dedicated eVTOL aircraft showroom, providing a platform that connects manufacturers, operators, infrastructure developers, and potential customers. Through this platform, the company aims to promote awareness and accelerate the adoption of Advanced Air Mobility technologies across the Southeastern United States.
By collaborating with Aeroauto, SkyDrive expects to strengthen the visibility and public acceptance of eVTOL transportation while building the operational foundations needed for long-term market growth.
Leadership Perspectives on the Collaboration
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Chief Executive Officer of SkyDrive, emphasized that the partnership represents a major milestone in the company’s U.S. expansion efforts. He noted that the collaboration with Aeroauto in Florida builds on the company’s earlier establishment of operations in South Carolina and reflects its commitment to developing a tangible commercial ecosystem in the United States.
Fukuzawa highlighted that SkyDrive has already demonstrated its aircraft technology through public demonstrations, including presentations at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka and test flights in Tokyo. These achievements have helped validate the company’s technology and support its goal of launching commercial operations in the United States beginning in 2028.
Sean Borman, Founder and CEO of Aeroauto Global, described Florida as one of the most promising launch markets for Advanced Air Mobility worldwide. According to Borman, the partnership combines aircraft innovation, operational expertise, and infrastructure development, creating a strong foundation for the introduction of eVTOL services. Through Aeroauto’s sales platform, vertiport initiatives, and regional partnerships, the company aims to establish a commercial gateway for electric air mobility across Florida and the wider Southeastern United States.
Hunter Cuthbertson III, President of SAI Flight Services, noted that his company has steadily expanded its operations in Florida over recent years. He explained that the partnership with SkyDrive aligns with Florida’s ambition to lead the United States in the adoption of Advanced Air Mobility technologies. SAI Flight Services expects to offer new aviation services to its clients as the technology becomes commercially viable in the coming years.
About Aeroauto Global
Aeroauto Global Inc. is an Advanced Air Mobility company headquartered in Florida that focuses on accelerating the commercial adoption of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The company operates the world’s first dedicated eVTOL aircraft showroom and sales platform, connecting manufacturers, operators, infrastructure developers, and customers within a single integrated ecosystem.
Beyond aircraft sales and distribution, Aeroauto supports the development of essential infrastructure including vertiports, charging systems, maintenance services, pilot training programs, and operational partnerships. These initiatives aim to create the foundation required for safe and scalable Advanced Air Mobility networks throughout Florida and the Southeastern United States.
About SAI Flight Services
SAI Flight Services was founded in 2013 by aviation professional Ralph “Hunter” Cuthbertson III and operates from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in South Carolina. The company specializes in regional aircraft charter management and provides a range of aviation services including aircraft maintenance, refurbishment, international ferry flights, and aviation consulting.
Known for its reliability and expertise, SAI Flight Services works closely with aviation partners and clients across the industry to deliver professional support and operational solutions for a wide variety of aviation activities.
About SkyDrive
SkyDrive Inc. is a Japanese developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with the vision of transforming urban transportation through aerial mobility. The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 and officially launched in 2018 with the goal of making flying vehicles a practical part of everyday transportation.
In 2019, SkyDrive achieved a major milestone by conducting the first crewed eVTOL flight in Japan. The company later demonstrated its aircraft technology during public demonstration flights at the 2025 Osaka World Expo, where thousands of visitors witnessed the capabilities of the SKYDRIVE aircraft.
Production of the SKYDRIVE aircraft began in March 2024 at a facility operated by Suzuki Motor Corporation, the company’s official manufacturing partner. SkyDrive continues to collaborate with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the United States to obtain the certifications required for commercial operations.
Headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, SkyDrive is led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa and remains focused on bringing its eVTOL aircraft into service by 2028 as part of the emerging global Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem.
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