Japanese manufacturer SkyDrive Inc. has signed a Letter of Intent with Gold Coast Helitours to introduce up to five Model SD-05 electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to Australia.
The agreement marks SkyDrive’s initial aircraft purchase deal with an Australian operator and outlines terms for specific pricing and a staged delivery schedule targeting two aircraft in 2028 and three in 2029. Operating from the existing heliport at Marina Mirage in Main Beach, the companies plan to launch Australia’s first commercial eVTOL sightseeing service in 2028 with an approximate 10-minute scenic flight route covering the Broadwater, Southport, and Surfers Paradise.
“For many years, we have provided our guests with breathtaking views of the Gold Coast from the sky. By adding incredibly quiet and environmentally friendly eVTOL aircraft to our fleet, we can offer an unprecedented new era of air travel. This beautiful coastline is the perfect stage for such a launch,” said Scott Menzies, Chief Pilot and Director at Gold Coast Helitours.
Ahead of the 2028 commercial launch, both organizations will work to secure regulatory type certification while establishing a dedicated vertiport and a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility at Southport Airfield. The long-term plan intends to use Southport Airfield as a regional maintenance hub to construct an expanded air mobility network connecting the Gold Coast city center, key commercial districts, and Gold Coast Airport.
“Gold Coast Helitours is an outstanding partner with a proven history of safe operations and a clear, forward-looking vision for next-generation mobility. We are profoundly honored to announce our first aircraft introduction agreement in Australia alongside an operator with such industry-leading ambition,” stated Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder and CEO of SkyDrive Inc.
