SkyDrive, a leading compact eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, announced that it has launched a joint initiative with leading enterprises in the Kansai region — including MUFG Bank Ltd. (“MUFG Bank”) and key industry leaders across transportation, aviation, infrastructure, energy, tourism and financial services — to evaluate and advance the commercial deployment and operational framework for eVTOL aircraft in Western Japan.
Background and Objectives
Driven by its mission “taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution” and its vision of making daily air mobility a reality, SkyDrive continues to advance the development of compact eVTOL aircraft. During Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, SkyDrive successfully conducted demonstration flights of its SKYDRIVE (SD-05) eVTOL aircraft (*2).
Following the Expo, advanced air mobility initiatives in Kansai are transitioning from technical validation to commercial integration. Practical steps to incorporate eVTOLs into daily urban transportation are accelerating rapidly across Osaka and the broader Kansai region, bringing commercial operations closer to reality. For example, under a Cabinet Office Super City research project, SkyDrive is collaborating with Osaka Metro and other partners to study converting existing rooftop emergency helipads (“H” marks) on urban buildings into vertiports (*3).
In response to this momentum, leading corporations across aviation, infrastructure, energy, tourism, finance and insurance — led by MUFG Bank — recognized that establishing a sustainable business model requires cross-industry collaboration beyond passenger services to build next-generation transport infrastructure. This shared vision led to the creation of the “Kansai Air Transportation Network Concept,” a collaborative framework designed to support the development of new industry and air mobility infrastructure originating in Kansai.
In parallel with urban infrastructure planning in Osaka, SkyDrive will leverage the strong backing of MUFG Bank and partner companies to accelerate the execution of this network concept and drive the mobility revolution across the Kansai region.
Core Focus Areas
Under this joint initiative, participating companies will combine their industry expertise and operational foundations to address the following key areas:
- Flight Network and Routes: Developing medium- and long-term flight networks and operational routes across the Kansai region
- Infrastructure Development: Planning vertiports, maintenance facilities and supporting ground infrastructure
- Operations and Safety Management: Establishing operational, maintenance and safety management frameworks
- Demand Generation and Service Integration: Creating demand and developing mobility services integrated with regional transportation and tourism
- Commercial Feasibility and Business Models: Evaluating commercial viability and building sustainable business models
- Public and Community Engagement: Collaborating and maintaining ongoing dialogue with national government agencies, local municipalities and regional communities
