SkyDrive Inc. announced the successful completion of its first public demonstration flights in Tokyo with its SKYDRIVE (SD-05) aircraft, conducted from February 24 to 28, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo Bay. The tests were carried out under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s program to develop business models for urban eVTOL services.

The flights were organized in collaboration with Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. and Kanematsu Corporation, and marked a milestone as the company’s first public flights in the Japanese capital.

Comprehensive Operations and Infrastructure Assessment

The program was not limited to the aircraft. The objective was to validate the complete integrated operation necessary for the future commercialization of urban eVTOL transport, including:

• Pre-flight preparation.
• Departure and cruise procedures.
• Landing and return to hangar.
• Aircraft-terminal coordination.

The project stands as the first comprehensive feasibility study in Japan to simultaneously analyze flight operations and terminal experience for eVTOL services.

Passenger Experience and Commercial Validation

The temporary terminal infrastructure allowed the public to experience processes such as facial recognition check-in and security checks, providing key feedback to optimize the future passenger experience.

The company emphasized that the collection of operational data and citizen participation are fundamental to defining commercial standards, operational efficiency, and public acceptance of urban air transport.

Advantages of the Compact Multicopter Design

The demonstrations also highlighted the SD-05’s advanced attitude control system and the advantages of its compact multicopter architecture, designed to operate in dense urban environments with stability, precision, and efficiency.

With these tests, SkyDrive is moving from technical validation to commercial readiness, solidifying Japan’s position as one of the most active markets in the regulatory and operational development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

Source and Credits to SkyDrive

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