SkyDrive Inc. has successfully concluded a series of demonstration flights for its SD-05 eVTOL aircraft at Tokyo Big Sight, marking the first time the vehicle has flown publicly in the Japanese capital.
The flight program took place over five days between February 24 and February 28, 2026, as part of a wider initiative by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to develop business models for urban air mobility. Conducted in collaboration with Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. and Kanematsu Corporation, the trials moved beyond simple flight maneuvers to assess the entire operational sequence required for commercialization. This included pre-flight preparation, departure, cruising, landing, and the return of the aircraft to the hangar.
A primary focus of the project was the feasibility of terminal infrastructure and the passenger experience. Temporary facilities were constructed to allow members of the public to test and provide feedback on various pre-boarding procedures. These trials utilized facial recognition for passenger check-in and integrated security screening processes to simulate a seamless transition from the ground to the air.
As a leading aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, SkyDrive is utilizing the data collected during these trials to refine the ground and flight operations necessary for future urban transport. The project represents the first comprehensive feasibility study of its kind in Japan to simultaneously evaluate aircraft performance and the specific terminal requirements for passengers.
SkyDrive is grateful for the cooperation of the many members of the public who helped us collect the data we need to ensure the smooth running of future passenger flights. With their cooperation, the reality of commercially viable, convenient urban eVTOL travel can begin to take shape.
