SkyDrive Inks Deal with VPorts

Japanese eVTOL manufacturer SkyDrive has inked a deal with VPorts to continue growing the international advanced air mobility (AAM) industry in the United Arab Emirates.

The two parties will work together to leverage the AAM Integrator World Centre in Dubai to cooperate on business development, market expansion, and the implementation of AAM transportation.

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive, Inc praised the UAE government for spearheading significant advancements in AAM and establishing the country as a market leader in this space.

“We are pleased to be taking a part in the UAE government’s strategy for AAM, particularly in Dubai as it is one of the fastest-growing and leading AAM markets in the world,” Fukuzawa added.

SkyDrive envisions creating a future where people utilize eVTOLs as a daily means of transportation in Japan and across the world. The Japanese electric aircraft manufacturer successfully flight-tested its SD-05 eVTOL aircraft in 2019 and is now seeking certification from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).

Fukuzawa believes VPorts will help the company achieve its goals quicker, especially considering it signed a strategic agreement with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) last year to construct the AAM Integrator World Centre on a 37,000-square-meter plot in Dubai South.

Fukuzawa said UAE is one of the most important markets and it is “highly encouraging” to be part of this project. Dr. Fethi Chebil, CEO and Founder of VPorts, said the agreement with SkyDrive will help boost development in the AAM industry and play an integral role in VPorts’ objective to establish and operate 1,500 vertiports globally by 2045.

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