Japanese eVTOL developer SkyDrive Inc. has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korean operational service provider Verty Co. Ltd. to pave the way for commercial air mobility operations in South Korea by 2028.
The collaboration centers on a joint feasibility study designed to evaluate flight safety, construct necessary ground infrastructure, and chart future flight paths for SkyDrive’s three-seater SD-05 aircraft. Initial deployment targets include scenic tourist flights around major destinations like Jeju Island, alongside regional inter-city transit routes connecting key urban hubs within the Seoul Metropolitan Area, such as Goyang City.
South Korea is currently accelerating national policy roadmaps to incorporate Advanced Air Mobility into its foundational transport network. Verty operates an “AAM as a Service” business model, which delivers end-to-end operational solutions spanning flight management, air traffic control, and vertiport infrastructure. Following government guidelines, Verty has verified its operating procedures as it works toward becoming the first company in South Korea to secure an Air Operator Certificate for eVTOL aircraft.
The agreement supports SkyDrive’s broader strategy to expand its international footprint beyond Japan, adding South Korea to a growing list of target markets that includes the U.S., the U.A.E., India, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, and Taiwan.
Dong-Woo Kim, CEO of Verty, said, “We are thrilled to join hands with SkyDrive, Japan’s sole compact eVTOL developer currently pursuing type certification, as pioneering partners opening up a new era of air mobility in both nations. Verty is preparing a tourism-focused operational model for initial commercialization, which requires an aircraft that can operate short routes cost-effectively. We determined that SkyDrive’s three-seater SD-05 is the ideal aircraft for this purpose. As a committed partner, we will devote our full energy to delivering the new value SkyDrive envisions, not only in Japan but also across South Korea.”
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder and CEO of SkyDrive, added, “We are deeply honored to partner with Verty, a team that brings exceptional expertise and a strong network in the South Korean market. South Korea is making remarkable progress with public and private sectors working together to pave the way for commercial eVTOL services. By combining our technologies and operational expertise, we look forward to offering safe, convenient and innovative air mobility options to the people of South Korea.”
