Japanese eVTOL developer SkyDrive continues to develop its order books and is now increasing potential air taxi operations in South Carolina, a state it selected as its US base final yr. SkyDrive has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with one of many state’s largest non-public jet constitution corporations, which incorporates buying as much as ten SKYDRIVE eVTOL plane.
SkyDrive Inc. stays a relative newcomer to the sustainable aviation section however is rapidly rising its international buyer base regardless of the quick that it nonetheless wants to achieve scaled eVTOL manufacturing.
It ought to achieve this with the assistance of Suzuki, which has signed on to fabricate the plane in Japan. In July of 2023, SkyDrive shared that it was establishing a US headquarters in South Carolina, which was joined by information that the corporate had secured its first eVTOL pre-order. On the time, Austin Aviation Inc. had signed a pre-order letter of intent to buy as much as 5 SKYDRIVE eVTOL plane in South Carolina.
Austin is one in every of a number of collaborators within the state working alongside the Japanese eVTOL firm, which additionally features a community of native airports. As we speak, SkyDrive introduced one other pre-order from a South Carolina-based firm that features a enterprise alternative with an airport in downtown Greenville.
SkyDrive, SAI flight share air taxi plans for South Carolina
Based on a launch from SkyDrive in the present day, the eVTOL developer has signed a Memorandum of Understanding alongside SAI Flight and the Greenville Downtown Airport to collectively develop enterprise alternatives that make the most of SKYDRIVE eVTOL plane. Per SkyDrive:
Below this settlement, the three organizations will collaborate to develop real-life use instances for the eVTOL, originating from Greenville Downtown Airport with collaborative assist of each the Greenville Metropolis Financial Growth Company and the Greenville Space Growth Company. They’re working intently with native and state governments, in addition to native companies, to design sensible routes similar to to town heart and the Greenville–Spartanburg Worldwide Airport, that may improve journey choices for group residents and guests. This positions Greenville as a pacesetter amongst state airports within the integration of Superior Air Mobility options.
The organizations shared that the pending eVTOL community will discover alternatives past air taxi journey and take a look at the feasibility of superior air cargo and emergency service use instances.
SAI Flight, one of many largest non-public jet constitution and administration corporations in South Carolina, has dedicated to a pre-order of 10 SKYDRIVE eVTOL plane. SkyDrive shared that SAI’s Half 135 Air Service Certificates will allow it to combine eVTOL companies into its present operations instantly as quickly as these pre-ordered eVTOLs are delivered.
Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) is the busiest common aviation airport within the state. By its MoU with SkyDrive and SAI Flight, GMU believes it’s well-positioned to develop into a central hub for the way forward for Superior Air Mobility in South Carolina. Wanting ahead, SkyDrive says it should proceed to work alongside the state of South Carolina to develop eVTOL operations and convey jobs to the state. Per South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey:
For the previous two years, now we have proudly partnered with SkyDrive within the Lowcountry, as they exemplify South Carolina’s imaginative and prescient of being the brand new house of American innovation. SkyDrive’s Superior Air Mobility options are set to remodel the way forward for aviation, and we’re excited to see this pioneering expertise take root in our state. Beginning within the Lowcountry, SkyDrive has expanded its efforts to incorporate the Greenville space, Greenville Downtown Airport, and Columbia Metropolitan Airport, working intently with native airports and repair suppliers to carry these cutting-edge companies to life. We sit up for persevering with our collaboration with SkyDrive as we construct a brighter, extra modern future for aviation and financial progress in South Carolina.
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