This article is based on an official press release from SkyDrive Inc.

SkyDrive Secures eVTOL Purchase Agreement with Tohoku Air Service

On May 12, 2026, Japanese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer SkyDrive Inc. announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Tohoku Air Service (TAS). Under the terms of the agreement, TAS will purchase one SkyDrive SD-05 eVTOL aircraft.

According to the official press release, SkyDrive is targeting a 2028 delivery date for the aircraft, aligning with the manufacturer’s broader goals for commercial operations. This milestone is particularly notable as it represents SkyDrive’s first aircraft purchase agreement with a traditional, Japan-based helicopter operator.

The partnership aims to integrate next-generation air mobility into regional transport, tourism, medical services, and disaster relief across the Tohoku and Niigata prefectures. By partnering with an established aviation operator, SkyDrive intends to refine its operational models for diverse, real-world applications.

The Agreement and Operational Goals

Integrating eVTOLs into Regional Transport

Tohoku Air Service, established in March 1991 as a subsidiary of the Tohoku Electric Power Company group, brings over three decades of specialized aviation experience to the partnership. The company inherited more than 38 years of power line inspection expertise from its parent organization and has long specialized in airborne cargo transport to mountainous and hard-to-reach locations.

In the company’s announcement, TAS cited the quiet operation, lower purchase costs, and reduced maintenance requirements of eVTOLs compared to traditional helicopters as primary drivers for the acquisition. TAS plans to utilize the SD-05 for sightseeing flights, regional passenger and cargo transportation, medical service provision, and natural disaster response.

“Signing of this Letter of Intent… lets us advance our concrete investigations into the real-world operation of this next-generation technology,” stated Shigeyuki Ouchi, President of Tohoku Air Service.

Through this strategic collaboration, TAS will leverage its extensive operational background to assist SkyDrive in confirming the aircraft’s functionality, safety, and infrastructure requirements.

Aircraft Specifications and Manufacturing

The SkyDrive SD-05 Profile

Founded in 2018 and based in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, SkyDrive has positioned itself as a leading developer in Japan’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector. Industry specifications indicate that the SD-05 model is designed to carry three people, one pilot and two passengers.

The aircraft features a fully electric propulsion system utilizing 12 electric motors and rotors. It boasts a maximum cruising speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) and a current operational range of 15 to 40 km (9 to 25 miles), which the company plans to extend as battery technology advances. The SD-05 has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs).

According to industry reports, production of the SD-05 officially commenced in March 2024 at a facility owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, which serves as SkyDrive’s official production partner.

“This agreement with Tohoku Air Service… is a significant step for SkyDrive,” noted Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive, in the official release.

Broader Industry Context and Certification

Path to 2028 Commercial Launch

The agreement with TAS follows a series of significant milestones for SkyDrive. The company successfully conducted public demonstration flights of the SD-05 over a six-week period at Expo 2025 in Osaka, followed by additional successful flights in Tokyo in February 2026.

In March 2026, SkyDrive reached a critical agreement with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) regarding the general certification plan for the SD-05. This agreement outlines the necessary steps to demonstrate airworthiness and safety, significantly de-risking the path toward the planned 2028 commercial launch. Furthermore, on May 8, 2026, SkyDrive announced the launch of Japan’s first vertiport operators’ consortium in partnership with the Osaka government, Osaka Metro, and Marubeni Corporation to build out physical infrastructure in the Kansai area.

AirPro News analysis

We view this agreement as a significant “passing of the torch” within the aviation sector. The fact that a legacy helicopter operator, which has relied on traditional rotorcraft for heavy-duty infrastructure inspections for over 30 years, is now investing in eVTOLs serves as a strong indicator of market validation. It signals that eVTOL technology is transitioning from experimental concepts to practical, cost-saving tools for established aviation companies.

Additionally, while much of the industry focus remains on urban “flying taxis” in densely populated cities, this agreement highlights the vital rural and regional utility of eVTOLs. By planning to use the aircraft for disaster relief, medical transport, and regional connectivity in the mountainous Tohoku region, TAS and SkyDrive are proving the versatile humanitarian and logistical applications of Advanced Air Mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the SkyDrive SD-05 be delivered to Tohoku Air Service?

According to the Letter of Intent, SkyDrive is targeting a delivery date in 2028, which aligns with the company’s broader commercial launch timeline.

What are the primary use cases for the eVTOL in the Tohoku region?

Tohoku Air Service plans to use the SD-05 for sightseeing flights, regional passenger and cargo transportation, medical services, and natural disaster response across the Tohoku and Niigata prefectures.

Sources: SkyDrive Inc. Press Release