SkyDrive Takes Flight at Expo 2025 Osaka, Ushering in the Future of Air Mobility

SkyDrive Takes Flight Today at Expo 2025 Osaka, Ushering in the Future of Air Mobility
Visitors Experience Live eVTOL Demonstrations and Air Taxi Simulations at New Osakako Vertiport

Osaka, Japan — April 13, 2025

The skies above Osaka are alive with excitement today as SkyDrive Inc., Japan’s pioneering eVTOL manufacturer, launches live demonstration flights at Expo 2025 Osaka, officially kicking off the event’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) showcase.

As of this morning, visitors to the Expo can witness firsthand the performance of SkyDrive’s world-renowned electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The flights connect the Expo’s dedicated Vertiport with the brand-new Osakako Vertiport, located near the Osaka Metro-operated Osaka Ko Station. These demo flights mark a milestone in Japan’s vision for integrated urban air mobility.

First Taste of Air Taxi Travel

The Osakako Vertiport isn’t just for show. Expo visitors can participate in an immersive, simulated air taxi experience that replicates the future of passenger boarding. Using facial recognition technology, the process allows participants to engage in a mock check-in, security screening, and boarding procedure before stepping into a full-scale eVTOL mock-up.

The vertiport itself is equipped with infrastructure to support future commercial air taxi operations, including:

• Aircraft hangars
• Maintenance and service areas
• Charging and refueling stations

What was once a concept is now becoming reality. The Osakako Vertiport project began in 2024 when Osaka Metro was selected by city officials to operate the vertiport at the World Expo. Known for its autonomous New Tram system, Osaka Metro has long embraced innovation — and today, its evolution into aerial mobility is on full display.

SkyDrive’s Expanding Horizons

SkyDrive’s flights today continue a rapid progression for the company, which has been making international headlines. Backed by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive manufactures its flagship eVTOL at Suzuki’s plant in Iwata City, with an anticipated production capacity of 100 units per year.

Suzuki has also played a crucial role in expanding SkyDrive’s global footprint, brokering new market entries such as:

• India, where SkyDrive eyes major urban deployments
• United States, where SkyDrive has partnered with SAI Flight to establish operations in South Carolina

SkyDrive’s current aircraft, the compact, lightweight SD-05, is engineered for short-distance urban flights of up to 15 km (approx. 9 miles) at a cruising speed of 100 km/h (62 mph). Designed for two passengers plus a pilot, the SD-05 offers an efficient and quiet alternative to larger, heavier air taxi models.

The company’s original prototype, the SD-03, earned global recognition as the world’s smallest eVTOL, laying the foundation for today’s operational demonstrations.

A Glimpse Into the Future of Mobility

The excitement of the SkyDrive demos is part of a broader commitment by the city and Expo organizers to showcase Japan’s future-forward transportation ecosystem. The goal: to integrate air taxis with existing metro lines, autonomous trams, and other mobility solutions into a seamless Mobility as a Service (MaaS) network, reducing congestion and increasing urban efficiency.

Running through October 13, Expo 2025 Osaka will offer not only SkyDrive experiences but also interactive eVTOL exhibits and mobility showcases, giving attendees a rare look at how advanced air mobility is set to transform city life.

“What once seemed like science fiction is becoming a reality in Osaka,” remarked an Expo spokesperson. “With SkyDrive’s demonstration flights and immersive vertiport experiences, visitors today are getting a glimpse of tomorrow’s everyday travel.”

Expo 2025 Osaka runs from April 13 to October 13, with ongoing SkyDrive demonstrations and future-focused mobility exhibits available throughout the event.

For more details, visit SkyDrive Official Website and the Expo’s official site.