SkyDrive Inc., a Japanese manufacturer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced its participation in a public-private discussion on September 10, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, focused on establishing eVTOL operations in the country.
This meeting at the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) headquarters follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) SkyDrive signed in June 2024 with the Thai conglomerate Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Public Company Limited and Saha Tokyu Corporation to investigate eVTOL aircraft operations. The latest discussion aimed to further develop the nation’s aviation market and address the future of next-generation air mobility.
Introducing this new form of air mobility requires essential public-private collaboration, involving not only aircraft developers but also various organizations responsible for legal frameworks and infrastructure. Representatives from CAAT, commercial airline Bangkok Airways, Saha Pathana Inter-Holding, Saha Tokyu Corporation, and SkyDrive exchanged information and ideas from the perspectives of a public authority, commercial airline, and an aviation technology company.
Following the MOU, SkyDrive is investigating business prospects for its aircraft in Thailand, focusing on locations such as Si Racha, Koh Samui, and Bangkok, in collaboration with Bangkok Airways.
A potential visit by the CAAT to Japan to observe SkyDrive’s flight demonstrations is under consideration. This development is viewed as a significant stride for Thailand’s emerging air mobility sector and aligns with SkyDrive’s business objectives in the country.
SkyDrive is developing “flying cars,” or eVTOLs, with the mission of “leading the mobility revolution that happens once in a century,” and aiming to realize a future where the sky is utilized for daily transportation. The company conducted a demonstration flight of its flying car, the “SKYDRIVE” (Model SD-05), at the Expo 2025 Osaka. SkyDrive stated it will continue its business activities in Japan and around the world toward the realization of flying cars.
