SkyDrive & Osaka Metro Unveil Plans for Future eVTOL Network

SkyDrive and Osaka Metro plan Osaka Diamond Routes connecting four key destinations in Osaka, Shin-Osaka/Umeda, Morinomiya, Tennoji/Abeno, and the Osaka Bay Area By Joe Macey / 24 Dec 2024
eVTOL network plans from SkyDrive.
Follow AAMi

SkyDrive Inc., an eVTOL aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, and Osaka Metro Co., Ltd. have revealed plans for the Osaka Diamond Routes at the Osaka Roundtable. 

These proposed eVTOL routes connect four key destinations in Osaka: Shin-Osaka/Umeda, Morinomiya, Tennoji/Abeno, and the Osaka Bay Area. Market research has already identified these areas as critical hubs for the city’s future mobility network. SkyDrive and Osaka Metro plan to launch services in the Morinomiya area by around 2028, before working to gradually expand operations through 2030 and beyond.

In August 2024, SkyDrive and Osaka Metro signed an agreement to jointly explore the commercialization of eVTOL services in Osaka in the years following the Osaka World Expo 2025. To pursue this goal, Osaka Metro established an “eVTOL Promotion Office” under the direct supervision of its president in October 2024. The two companies have worked together to assess market demand, potential takeoff and landing locations, and other factors affecting the commercial feasibility of an eVTOL business. These efforts culminated in the unveiling of the planned Osaka Diamond Routes, which form a core part of the initial concept for future eVTOL operations.

The proposed areas have been strategically selected to highlight Osaka’s cityscapes and offer convenient access to major tourist attractions. SkyDrive’s eVTOL will transform intra-urban journeys into exciting and memorable experiences, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy the city’s stunning aerial views while flying in privacy and comfort.

SkyDrive and Osaka Metro will continue to collaborate closely with the government, Osaka Prefecture and the Osaka City authorities, as well as other relevant organizations and business partners, to bring these commercial services to market. Key areas of focus include finalizing vertiport locations and completing the further studies required to establish flight routes. SkyDrive and Osaka Metro also plan to roll out a phased expansion of these services, first into the surrounding suburbs, and then into the greater Kansai region.

Together, the two companies seek to unlock the potential of air mobility and provide passengers with added value through new air transport services, developing an upgraded transport infrastructure that will enhance Osaka’s reputation as a leading city for innovation and tourism.

Posted by Joe Macey Edited by Joseph Macey, Editor and Copywriter and experienced journalist with an active interest in advanced air mobility. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Skyportz Showcases Modular Vertipad Concept for Urban eVTOL Operations

Skyportz has revealed an animation of its patented modular vertipad, created by Vertiport Simulations for the Paris Airshow, addressing downwash, outwash, and fire suppression challenges in urban vertiports

Jun 20, 2025
Strategic eVTOL Partnership Targets Urban Air Mobility in Brazil & the US

Eve Air Mobility and Future Flight Global partner to deploy up to 54 eVTOLs across Brazil and the US, advancing sustainable urban air transport

Jun 19, 2025
SkyGrid Joins Wisk to Support Generation 6 eVTOL

Wisk Aero has acquired SkyGrid to accelerate autonomous flight development, enhance airspace integration, and support the certification and deployment of its Generation 6 aircraft

Jun 18, 2025
Archer eVTOL Deployment Planned for Indonesian Market

Archer Aviation partners with PT IKN to deploy Midnight eVTOL aircraft in Indonesia, expanding its global Launch Edition program into a key Southeast Asian market

Jun 17, 2025
Eve Air Mobility Outlines eVTOL Program Advancements at Paris Air Show 2025

Eve Air Mobility shares updates on its eVTOL program, including aircraft design refinements, testing progress, and expanded service offerings through its TechCare platform

Jun 16, 2025
New Agreement Supports Vertical eVTOL Global Rollout

Vertical Aerospace and Bristow Group are launching turnkey eVTOL operations, enabling customers to deploy VX4 aircraft without building their own infrastructure

Jun 13, 2025