Pre-orders from Austin Aviation signal a major move in South Carolina as SkyDrive soars into the US market.
Japanese innovator, SkyDrive, a pioneer in eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) tech, has just landed a pre-order deal for up to five aircraft with South Carolina’s Austin Aviation. This comes as the rising star of the skies strategically targets the American market, ushering in a new era of advanced air mobility.
SkyDrive’s genesis in Japan in 2018 resulted from intense dedication to perfecting flying car prototypes. A mere year after its foundation, the company turned heads by executing a crewed test flight of its flagship model.
Determined to stretch its wings further, SkyDrive eyed the US market early this year, revealing intentions to lay its foundation in South Carolina. The company’s showcase at the 2023 Paris Air Show of the SKYDRIVE three-passenger eVTOL wowed audiences, reminding them of the innovation they bring to the aviation table.
In collaboration with Suzuki, SkyDrive recently shifted gears into their next production phase, streamlining eVTOL manufacturing in Suzuki Group’s facility in Shizuoka, Japan.
Austin Aviation’s commitment to pre-order five SKYDRIVE aircraft solidifies the buzz around SkyDrive’s potential in the US market. Their strategic alliance with Volatus Infrastructure, LLC aims to revolutionize South Carolina’s aviation landscape by nurturing an ecosystem of commercial eVTOL operations.
Reflecting on the promising journey, SkyDrive’s CEO, Tomohiro Fukuzawa, expressed: “We’ve felt immense support in South Carolina. Our goal is making South Carolina the AAM infrastructure pioneer in the US, broadening our aircraft’s accessibility.”
As SkyDrive sets up camp in Beaufort, South Carolina, collaboration with Austin Aviation’s parent company, Lowcountry Aviation Co., is on the horizon. Although the debut of a SKYDRIVE eVTOL soaring the US skies remain undisclosed, the aviation industry waits with bated breath.
