SkyDrive Partners with South Korea’s Verty to Target Commercial eVTOL Operations by 2028

SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading compact eVTOL (*1) aircraft developer based in Japan, today announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Verty Co. Ltd. (“Verty”), a South Korean company building an integrated operational framework spanning flight operations, air traffic management and vertiport infrastructure. The agreement establishes a partnership to prepare for the introduction and commercial deployment of the SKYDRIVE (SD-05 model) eVTOL in South Korea.

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MOU signing ceremony: Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive Inc. (left), and Dong-Woo Kim, CEO of Verty Co. Ltd. (right)

Under the agreement, SkyDrive and Verty will launch a joint feasibility study to assess flight safety, build infrastructure and map out operational routes — including scenic tourist flights and regional inter-city transit — with the goal of launching commercial deployment in South Korea by 2028.

Background and Strategic Objectives

South Korea is actively establishing policy roadmaps to foster Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) as a foundational component of its future transportation infrastructure (*2).

Verty is driven by its mission to accelerate AAM adoption by offering end-to-end operational solutions. Following guidelines established by the South Korean government, Verty has verified integrated operating procedures across flight operations, air traffic control and vertiport management, aiming to become South Korea’s first operator to secure an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for eVTOLs. Through its “AAM as a Service” business model, Verty provides operational capability to client companies without requiring them to make heavy upfront investments in infrastructure.

SkyDrive continues to advance its mission to lead the once-in-a-century mobility revolution by making daily air transportation a reality. Beyond Japan, SkyDrive is actively expanding its global footprint across key international markets, including the U.S., the U.A.E., India, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia and Taiwan.

Through this partnership, SkyDrive and Verty will work together to establish diverse commercial business models in South Korea. Focus areas include scenic sightseeing routes in key tourist destinations such as Jeju Island, as well as inter-city transport routes connecting urban centers around the Seoul Metropolitan Area, including Goyang City.

Executive Comments

Dong-Woo Kim, CEO of Verty

“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,” said Kim. “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

“We are deeply honored to partner with Verty, a team that brings exceptional expertise and a strong network in the South Korean market,” said Fukuzawa. “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.”

About Verty Co. Ltd.

Verty Based in Seoul is the only company in Korea preparing all three domains of Advanced Air Mobility operations, from flight operations and traffic management to vertiport operations. Securing aircraft, operating systems, and qualified personnel of its own, the company supplies flights to AAM service providers under its AAM as a Service model. Anyone can begin service by submitting a flight plan, with no infrastructure investment of their own. Since 2018, Verty has built an integrated operating system in house, linking every function required for these operations on a single platform. Taking part in commercialization projects led by Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the company is building the operating foundation to accelerate commercial air mobility service in Korea, set to open in 2028.

For more information, please visit: https://www.verty.co.kr/

About SkyDrive Inc.

SkyDrive is a Japanese compact 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. In 2025, the company successfully showcased SKYDRIVE, the company’s first commercial eVTOL product, with demonstration flights at the Osaka Expo witnessed by thousands of visitors over a one-month period. SkyDrive began production of SKYDRIVE in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive’s official production partner. SkyDrive has been working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the U.S. to obtain certification for SKYDRIVE, with the aim of launching the aircraft into service in 2028. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur.

For more information, please visit: https://skydrive.co.jp/en/

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