The Toyota-based eVTOL maker joins Osaka Metro, Marubeni, Soracle, and native governments to commercialize the Osakako Vertiport on Osaka Bay.
SkyDrive has launched Japan’s first consortium for the business operation and joint utilization of an eVTOL vertiport. The Toyota-based firm introduced the partnership on Might 8, 2026. The group will commercialize Osakako Vertiport, a devoted eVTOL takeoff and touchdown website on the shoreline of Osaka Bay.
The consortium brings collectively the Osaka prefectural authorities, Osaka municipal authorities, Osaka Metro Co., Ltd., Soracle, and Marubeni Company. The positioning will function a hub for city air mobility throughout the Kansai area.
Osakako Turns into Japan’s First Business eVTOL Vertiport
A kickoff assembly marked the launch of the consortium. The companions mentioned a public-private roadmap for commercializing eVTOL providers based mostly at Osakako.
Attendees unanimously accepted a proposal from Osaka Metro to type the consortium. The group will manage and introduce business eVTOL operations on the vertiport.
“As a way to notice the ‘Superior Air Mobility Revolution’ that enables individuals to fly freely ranging from the Osakako Vertiport, we’re dedicated to driving this initiative ahead as a pioneer in Japan, in collaboration with all companions,” stated Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka Prefecture.
SkyDrive additionally revealed a roadmap for business eVTOL providers from the vertiport. With backing from the prefectural and municipal governments and Osaka Metro, the consortium will research easy methods to use current infrastructure. That features 146 emergency helicopter touchdown pads positioned all through Osaka.
Earlier protection from Dronelife reported that SkyDrive and Osaka Metro have already mapped out the Osaka Diamond Routes, a future community linking key districts throughout town.
Constructing on the Osaka Expo Legacy
SkyDrive’s Osaka work predates the brand new consortium. The corporate signed a partnership with Osaka Prefecture and Osaka Metropolis in September 2021. It adopted with a enterprise partnership settlement with Osaka Metro in August 2024.
In 2025, SkyDrive demonstrated its SD-05 plane on the 2025 Osaka Expo and once more at Osakako Vertiport. Each websites helped showcase the corporate’s progress towards business flight.
SkyDrive and Osaka Metro now use the vertiport as a legacy of the Expo. Collectively they run exhibitions, mockup boarding periods, and panel discussions to construct public consciousness of eVTOL expertise.
In March 2026, the Kansai Financial Federation (Kankeiren) revealed its imaginative and prescient for an Osaka Bay air mobility space served by round 100 eVTOL plane by 2035. The brand new consortium accelerates that path by way of public-private cooperation.
Extra data is out there at SkyDrive.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist specializing in drone expertise and life-style content material at Dronelife. He’s based mostly between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys climbing and Boston space sports activities.
