FAA Accepts SkyDrive's eVTOL Certification Application

SkyDrive Begins Certification Activities in the United States in Collaboration with JCAB

TOYOTA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading Japanese eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer, today announced that the company has submitted type certificate application of its three-seat eVTOL “SKYDRIVE” (*2) to the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) through the Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau (“JCAB”). The application was accepted on April 29, 2024.

Since its founding, one of SkyDrive’s core ambitions has been to introduce Japanese-origin air mobility solutions to the world, mirroring the success and admiration the Japanese automotive industry has attained globally. To prepare for its entry into the U.S. market and commercial operations, SkyDrive established a local subsidiary in 2023. SkyDrive is now actively collaborating with local customers to develop practical use cases and tailor our offerings to meet the unique needs of the American market. Its goal is to bring the renowned quality and innovation of Japanese technology to the realm of air mobility, capturing the hearts and minds of people worldwide.

Guided by the expertise of the JCAB, SkyDrive has initiated the crucial step of seeking type certification for its eVTOL aircraft. With their support, the company has submitted its application to the FAA, marking the beginning of its certification journey in the U.S. market. SkyDrive’s goal is to obtain FAA type certification, building upon the anticipated JCAB type certification in 2026 or later. This milestone will enable SkyDrive to bring its innovative aircraft to the American skies, showcasing the best of Japanese technology and design to a global audience.

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive, said, "Our development team has been working on both aircraft development and type certification activities in parallel. We are very grateful to the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau for supporting our application and looking forward to a successful FAA type certification. This collaboration allows us to advance our certification processes in both Japan and the United States simultaneously. With the FAA's experience in the certification process of several eVTOLs and the JCAB already advancing the certification of our aircraft, we aim to work together to create a future where our eVTOL can operate commercially around the world."

About SkyDrive Inc.

SkyDrive was formally established in July 2018 after testing flying car concepts and prototypes from 2014 with the mission of “taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution.” Its vision is to create a future where everyone has access to eVTOLs as their daily transportation in Japan and across the world. The company succeeded in the first crewed eVTOL flight test in Japan in 2019 and its eVTOL “SKYDRIVE” is in the process of acquiring its Japan Civil Aviation Bureau certification. SkyDrive has been selected as a company to participate in the Advanced Air Mobility project at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. SkyDrive began production of “SKYDRIVE” in March 2024 at the plant owned by official production partner Suzuki Motor Company. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture. Tomohiro Fukuzawa is the CEO of the company.

For more information, please visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/

Editor’s Note:

(*1) “eVTOL” is an abbreviation for electric vertical takeoff and landing. eVTOL aircraft are characterized by electrification, a fully autonomous autopilot, and vertical takeoff and landing. It is also called Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) or Urban Air Mobility (UAM).
(*2) “SKYDRIVE” is a product name of SkyDrive Model SD-05. Model SD-05 is in the process of acquiring its Japan Civil Aviation Bureau and Federal Aviation Administration certification.