SkyDrive Inc. and Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) have partnered with the government of Oita prefecture to explore how the future provision of eVTOL services can improve the prefecture’s transportation infrastructure.
Commencing in 2028, SkyDrive and JR Kyushu aim to launch scenic flights over Beppu Bay, air taxi operations within Beppu City, and air taxi services connecting the Beppu and Yufuin resorts. This will provide economic benefits and improved travel convenience to local communities and businesses in the region.
From 2030 onward, both companies aim to expand these services to include flights connecting Yufuin, Kokonoe, Kusu, and the Oku-Hita area, along with air taxi services from Oita City to the Beppu and Yufuin area, and from Oita Airport to both Beppu and Oita City.
While the precise nature of future ticket pricing will depend on flight frequency and passenger occupancy, JR Kyushu and SkyDrive intend to provide eVTOL air taxi services at prices low enough to compete with conventional road-based taxis.
Under the partnership agreement, SkyDrive and JR Kyushu are set to survey potential takeoff and landing sites, evaluate profitability, and establish a framework for future flight operations, laying the groundwork for the provision of commercially viable eVTOL services.
