Japanese eVTOL developer SkyDrive continues to grow its order books and is now expanding potential air taxi operations in South Carolina, a state it chose as its US base last year. SkyDrive has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with one of the state’s largest private jet charter companies, which includes purchasing up to ten SKYDRIVE eVTOL aircraft.
SkyDrive Inc. remains a relative newcomer to the sustainable aviation segment but is quickly growing its global customer base despite the fast that it still needs to reach scaled eVTOL production.
It should do so with the help of Suzuki, which has signed on to manufacture the aircraft in Japan. In July of 2023, SkyDrive shared that it was establishing a US headquarters in South Carolina, which was joined by news that the company had secured its first eVTOL pre-order. At the time, Austin Aviation Inc. had signed a pre-order letter of intent to purchase up to five SKYDRIVE eVTOL aircraft in South Carolina.
Austin is one of several collaborators in the state working alongside the Japanese eVTOL company, which also includes a network of local airports. Today, SkyDrive announced another pre-order from a South Carolina-based company that includes a business opportunity with an airport in downtown Greenville.
SkyDrive, SAI flight share air taxi plans for South Carolina
According to a release from SkyDrive today, the eVTOL developer has signed a Memorandum of Understanding alongside SAI Flight and the Greenville Downtown Airport to jointly develop business opportunities that utilize SKYDRIVE eVTOL aircraft. Per SkyDrive:
Under this agreement, the three organizations will collaborate to develop real-life use cases for the eVTOL, originating from Greenville Downtown Airport with collaborative support of both the Greenville City Economic Development Corporation and the Greenville Area Development Corporation. They are working closely with local and state governments, as well as local businesses, to design practical routes such as to the city center and the Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport, that will enhance travel options for community residents and visitors. This positions Greenville as a leader among state airports in the integration of Advanced Air Mobility solutions.
The organizations shared that the pending eVTOL network will explore opportunities beyond air taxi travel and test the feasibility of advanced air cargo and emergency service use cases.
SAI Flight, one of the largest private jet charter and management companies in South Carolina, has committed to a pre-order of 10 SKYDRIVE eVTOL aircraft. SkyDrive shared that SAI’s Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate will enable it to integrate eVTOL services into its existing operations immediately as soon as those pre-ordered eVTOLs are delivered.
Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) is the busiest general aviation airport in the state. Through its MoU with SkyDrive and SAI Flight, GMU believes it is well-positioned to become a central hub for the future of Advanced Air Mobility in South Carolina. Looking forward, SkyDrive says it will continue to work alongside the state of South Carolina to expand eVTOL operations and bring jobs to the state. Per South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey:
For the past two years, we have proudly partnered with SkyDrive in the Lowcountry, as they exemplify South Carolina’s vision of being the new home of American innovation. SkyDrive’s Advanced Air Mobility solutions are set to transform the future of aviation, and we are excited to see this pioneering technology take root in our state. Starting in the Lowcountry, SkyDrive has expanded its efforts to include the Greenville area, Greenville Downtown Airport, and Columbia Metropolitan Airport, working closely with local airports and service providers to bring these cutting-edge services to life. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with SkyDrive as we build a brighter, more innovative future for aviation and economic growth in South Carolina.
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