SkyDrive of Toyota City in Japan and VPorts have agreed to collaborate on the technical and business aspect to leverage the world’s first advanced air mobility (AAM) Integrator World Centre in Dubai for business development and market expansion for both parties.
SkyDrive was established in July 2018 after testing flying car concepts and prototypes since 2014, and succeeded in the first crewed flight test in Japan in 2019, with its SD-05 eVTOL in the process of acquiring Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) certification.
VPorts signed an agreement with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) to establish a state-of-the-art AAM centre on a 37,000 square metre site within Dubai South late last year.
With the support of MBRAH and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), VPorts will establish its Vertiport Operation Control Centre (VOCC) hub as part of the AAM integrator world centre in Dubai.
SkyDrive is now considering using the AAM integrator world centre as part of its infrastructure to promote the continual growth of the international AAM industry and accelerate the certification of its eVTOL aircraft.
SkyDrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa stated: “We are pleased to be taking a part in the UAE government’s strategy for AAM, particularly in Dubai as it is one of the fastest growing AAM markets in the world.
“SkyDrive aims to deliver full electric and compact eVTOL vehicles for air taxi services and by collaborating with VPorts, we are able to secure an air traffic corridor for vehicle testing with our eVTOL capabilities, which is essential to ensure safety before deployment in the urban areas.
“SkyDrive recognizes that UAE is one of the most important markets and it is highly encouraging to be part of this strategic project which will promote AAM in the UAE, by working together within Dubai South and the GCAA.”
Dr Fethi Chebil, CEO and founder of VPorts, stated: “We welcome SkyDrive joining us in shaping the future of the AAM sector by leveraging the world’s first integrator centre, including its facilities and airspace. Our presence in Dubai is in line with our strategy and ambition to build and operate 1,500 vertiports around the world by 2045.”