－ Aiming to Realize the Utilization of eVTOLs in the UAE Capital －
TOYOTA, Japan–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#FlyingCar–SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, is pleased to announce that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), a government organization and affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport that oversees and manages the overall transportation system in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (UAE), signed several strategic cooperation agreements with leading local and international, including SkyDrive, on day two of DRIFTx 2025, held as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week organized by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council. ITC is going to introduce the eVTOL “SKYDRIVE (SkyDrive type SD-05 model) (*2)” as a means of transportation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
[Background and Objectives]
Abu Dhabi is emerging as a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), strategically positioning eVTOL technology at the heart of its future transportation ecosystem. Under the leadership of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), the Emirate has launched a comprehensive initiative encompassing regulatory framework development, vertiport and charging infrastructure planning, and extensive feasibility studies—positioning Abu Dhabi to become one of the world’s first cities to launch commercial eVTOL operations.
This partnership between SkyDrive and ITC represents a pivotal step toward realizing this vision. The collaboration will focus on three key pillars: establishing a comprehensive eVTOL ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, developing critical infrastructure including vertiports and charging stations, and conducting thorough commercialization feasibility studies for the “SKYDRIVE (SD-05)” aircraft. Together, SkyDrive and ITC aim to transform urban mobility in the UAE capital, offering residents and visitors an innovative, sustainable, and efficient transportation solution that seamlessly integrates air mobility into Abu Dhabi’s smart city infrastructure.
“We are deeply honored to partner with the Integrated Transport Centre and the Abu Dhabi government, who are demonstrating exceptional leadership in advancing both the infrastructure and regulatory frameworks necessary for eVTOL commercialization,” says Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO and Founder of SkyDrive. “Abu Dhabi’s proactive approach and commitment to innovation make it an ideal partner as we work toward our vision of making the sky a part of everyday transportation. Through this collaboration with ITC, we look forward to delivering a transformative mobility experience that offers residents, business travelers, and tourists a faster, cleaner, and more sustainable way to navigate the Emirate.”
“These agreements reflect Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building a smart, integrated transport system and adopting the latest autonomous-driving and advanced air mobility technologies, in support of our vision for more efficient and better-connected cities”, says Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General at ITC. “As the regulatory authority for the transport sector, we are forging strategic local and international partnerships that will accelerate the shift towards future mobility solutions.”
About Integrated Transportation Centre
The Integration Transport Centre (ITC) is a government entity established in 2016, responsible for the planning, design, and operation of all integrated transport systems in Abu Dhabi including land, marine, and air transport. The ITC is committed to developing sustainable, efficient, and innovative transport solutions that enhance the quality of life and support the Emirate’s economic growth.
For more information, please visit: https://admobility.gov.ae/en/home
About SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive is a Japanese eVTOL company aiming “to take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution”. 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. The company successfully showcased the eVTOL “SKYDRIVE”, the company’s first eVTOL product, with demonstration flights spanning one month at the Osaka Expo, witnessed by thousands of visitors. SkyDrive began production of “SKYDRIVE” 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 “SKYDRIVE”, and aims to launch the service in 2028. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur.
For more information, please visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/
Editor’s Note:
(*1) “eVTOL” is an abbreviation for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing. As the name suggests, eVTOL aircraft can take off and land without a runway. eVTOLs are powered by electricity and incorporate advanced, automatic, flight control technology.
Contacts
Kaori Saito
Public Relations
SkyDrive Inc.
Email: [email protected]
