Japanese eVTOL manufacturer SkyDrive Inc. announced a significant commercial milestone, reaching a general understanding with AeroGulf Services Company LLC for the potential purchase of 20 SkyDrive SD-05 eVTOL aircraft. The agreement outlines delivery of 10 units in 2028 and an additional 10 units in 2029, marking SkyDrive’s first detailed exploration of commercial parameters with a customer outside Japan.
The SD-05 aircraft represent SkyDrive’s flagship offering, featuring electric vertical takeoff and landing capabilities powered by advanced automatic flight control technology. These zero-emission aircraft are engineered for commercial aviation operations without requiring runway infrastructure—a critical advantage for urban air mobility applications.
SkyDrive SD-05 Specifications Drive Commercial Viability
The technical specifications of the SkyDrive SD-05 make it particularly suited for AeroGulf’s planned operations above Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. As electric aircraft, the SD-05 units offer the silent, sustainable flight characteristics essential for tourism and urban mobility applications. SkyDrive began production of the SKYDRIVE at a plant operated by Suzuki Motor Corporation, its official manufacturing partner, in March 2024.
AeroGulf Services, Dubai’s premier helicopter charter operator since 1976, plans to leverage the eVTOL aircraft to pioneer advanced air mobility in the Middle East. Following a February 2025 Memorandum of Understanding to assess commercial flight paths, the two companies have progressed to formalizing commercial terms for this 20-unit order.
“Reaching a general understanding on commercial parameters for up to 20 SkyDrive aircraft with AeroGulf Services is a significant step toward global commercialization,” stated Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder and CEO of SkyDrive Inc. “By establishing a framework that addresses both pricing and delivery considerations for 2028 and 2029, our transition from development to operations grows closer.”
The delivery timeline aligns with SkyDrive’s broader certification and commercialization strategy. The company successfully demonstrated the SD-05 at Osaka Expo 2025 and is actively pursuing certification with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US, targeting 2028 for in-service operations.
For AeroGulf, the partnership represents an opportunity to transition its helicopter operations toward next-generation aviation technology. “Bringing these 20 eVTOL aircraft to Dubai continues an assurance that our skies will remain a symbol of progress that pays respect to our environment and our heritage,” said Fahad Mohammad Mir Hashem Khoory, CEO of AeroGulf Services Company LLC.
More information about SkyDrive is available from their website. More information about AeroGulf Services is available from their website.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.