JCAB Issues G-1 Certification Basis for SkyDrive eVTOL Aircraft

SkyDrive Publishes First Photographs of Its eVTOL

TOYOTA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, is pleased to announce that the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (“JCAB”) has issued a G-1 certification basis (*2) for its eVTOL aircraft. The JCAB’s decision, which represents an important milestone along SkyDrive’s path to aircraft certification and commercial operations, follows agreement between the JCAB and SkyDrive over the specific airworthiness and performance criteria that will be required for the type certification of the ‘SKYDRIVE ‘, SkyDrive's lightweight, 3-seater eVTOL aircraft.

We are also excited to release our first pictures of the 'SKYDRIVE', which is currently undergoing flight tests in preparation for its official public unveiling at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, where the ‘SKYDRIVE’ will perform demonstration flights.

This latest agreement the JCAB and SkyDrive builds on an earlier agreement, reached in March 2022, to use the JCAB Airworthiness Inspection Manual (“AIM”) Part II (Revision 61) as the basis for the type certification of SkyDrive’s eVTOLs (*3). AIM Part II defines airworthiness criteria for fixed-wing aircraft that carry up to 19 passengers and have a takeoff weight of 8,618 kg (19,000 lb) or less. Revision 61, the latest version of the AIM Part II, gives aircraft manufacturers a greater degree of flexibility in selecting the methods they will use to demonstrate the safety of their aircraft, allowing them to choose methods which best match the aircraft’s specific characteristics.

The road to aircraft certification is broad and complex, particularly for new aircraft such as eVTOLs where existing regulations are still under development, and no standardized certification basis is available to anchor the process. This additional agreement now provides further clarity and direction.

Following the new agreement, SkyDrive and the JCAB remain in dialogue over the future certification plan, with the aim of reaching agreement over the required testing schedule and procedures. Once the certification plan is finalized, SkyDrive will begin ground and flight testing of the aircraft. Alongside its work with the JCAB, SkyDrive is working concurrently with the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) to validate a certification process for SkyDrive’s eVTOL in the United States. This strategic approach enables the company to align its certification efforts in both nations, paving a smoother path towards standardized global operations.

Responding to the new agreement with the JCAB, Arnaud Coville, SkyDrive’s Chief Development Officer said, “We are pleased to announce that the JCAB has issued the G-1 certification basis that will apply to our first commercial eVTOL aircraft. We have reached this significant milestone through a series of respectful and collaborative discussions with the JCAB. The issuance of this certification basis represents the culmination of substantial efforts invested over several months. We are also thrilled with the recent progress achieved in our validation project with the FAA. Our prototype aircraft, which is currently undergoing an extensive series of flight tests, continues to accumulate valuable data as we make steady progress toward the upcoming demonstration flights at the Osaka Expo. As we pursue our certification roadmap and showcase the capabilities of our aircraft to the public, 2025 is set to become an important year for SkyDrive. We are delighted that the year is off to such a great start.”

Editor’s Note:
(*1) “eVTOL” is an abbreviation for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing. As the name suggests, eVTOL aircraft can take off and land without a runway. eVTOLs are powered by electricity and incorporate advanced, automatic, flight control technology.

(*2) A certification basis describes the steps that must be followed and the requirements that must be met for a new aircraft to receive certification and enter commercial operations.

(*3) JCAB AIM Part II is equivalent to the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) Part 23 regulations.

About SkyDrive Inc.

SkyDrive is an eVTOL company aiming “to take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution”. The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. Under its future vision for urban transportation, flying in eVTOLs will become a regular part of city life. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan. As of 2025, SkyDrive is working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to acquire certification for the 'SKYDRIVE', the company’s latest eVTOL product. 'SKYDRIVE' will fly at Expo 2025 in Osaka, a major international event. SkyDrive began production in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive’s official production partner. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur.
For more information, please visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/