SkyDrive Receives Pre-Order for 100 eVTOLs

Japanese eVTOL manufacturer SkyDrive has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Vietnamese energy company Pacific Group, which has preordered up to 10 of SkyDrive’s SD-05 eVTOLs.

SkyDrive’s SD-05 is able to accommodate two passengers and a pilot. The company is in the process of acquiring a type certificate for its eVTOL from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

The preorder, which comes with a conditional option to order 90 more eVTOLs, is part of SkyDrive’s aim to introduce sustainable and easily accessible mobility solutions to the Vietnamese market with the hope of reducing traffic congestion in the nation’s cities.

The MoU will also see the two companies work together to explore more use cases for eVTOLs in Vietnam and also introduce advanced air mobility-related infrastructure and networks in Vietnam, such as vertiports and air routes.

“The urban streets in Vietnam, crowded with motorcycles and automotives are vibrant and exciting. However, considering the current social problem of traffic safety and greenhouse gas emissions, I think this is one of the most important social issues that need to be addressed,” said Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Chief Executive Officer of SkyDrive. “Together with Pacific Group, we look to offer the Vietnamese community and market a new way to move around.”

“We can foresee the need for eVTOL in big cities in Asia e.g. Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi to provide new generation of transportation means,” said Le Ngoc Anh Minh, the Executive President and Founder of Pacific Group. “Of course, we will have to work closely with SkyDrive and several authorities such as Vietnam Transport Ministry, Civil Aviation Agency of Vietnam, Vietnam Ministry of Defense from time to time to explain and present the trend and technology of eVTOL to get approval and to enhance regulations updated.”