SkyDrive and Verty Target 2028 eVTOL Launch in South Korea

Japanese eVTOL developer SkyDrive has signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korean company Verty. Their goal is to prepare for commercial Advanced Air Mobility operations in South Korea using SkyDrive's three-seat SD-05 aircraft by 2028.

The partnership will involve a joint study of flight safety, necessary infrastructure, and potential routes. Initial operational concepts focus on two key areas: scenic tourism flights and regional transportation between cities.

Feasibility Study and Target Routes

The companies plan to conduct a detailed feasibility study. This work will examine how the compact SD-05 eVTOL can fit into South Korea's developing air mobility market.

Potential early routes include sightseeing tours around popular destinations like Jeju Island. For regional transportation, the partners are looking at inter-city routes within the Seoul Metropolitan Area, including connections to Goyang City.

Verty's Operational Role

Seoul-based Verty is developing an integrated operating system for eVTOL services. This system combines flight operations, air traffic management, and vertiport logistics. The company aims to become South Korea's first operator to secure an Air Operator Certificate specifically for eVTOL aircraft.

Verty's CEO, Dong-Woo Kim, explained the rationale for choosing SkyDrive's aircraft. "Verty is preparing a tourism-focused operational model for initial commercialization, which requires an aircraft that can operate short routes cost-effectively," Kim said. "We determined that SkyDrive's three-seater SD-05 is the ideal aircraft for this purpose."

Kim added that Verty is 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.

SkyDrive's Certification and Vision

For SkyDrive, this agreement expands its international footprint. The company is concurrently working to achieve type certification for the SD-05 model, targeting a 2028 service entry.

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, founder and CEO of SkyDrive, welcomed the partnership. We are deeply honored to partner with Verty, a team that brings exceptional expertise and a strong network in the South Korean market, Fukuzawa stated. He noted that South Korea is making remarkable progress with public and private sectors working together to pave the way for commercial eVTOL services.

The collaboration aims to merge SkyDrive's aircraft technology with Verty's local operational expertise. Together, they hope to offer new air mobility options to the South Korean public.

The partnership will now focus on the detailed study phase to turn these plans into a operational reality.