SkyDrive and Verty Target 2028 Commercial eVTOL Operations in South Korea
Japan-based eVTOL developer SkyDrive has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South Korean aviation company Verty to assess the introduction of commercial electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) services in South Korea from 2028.
The partnership will begin with a joint feasibility study covering flight safety, infrastructure requirements and potential operating routes for SkyDrive’s three-seat SD-05 aircraft. Proposed applications include scenic tourism flights and regional inter-city transport.
The companies are considering routes in tourist destinations such as Jeju Island, as well as connections between urban centres around the Seoul Metropolitan Area, including Goyang City.
and Dong Woo Kim CEO of Verty Co Ltd right
Verty is developing an integrated operating model covering flight operations, air traffic management and vertiport management. The company is participating in commercialisation projects led by South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and is working towards obtaining an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for eVTOL operations.
The company operates an “AAM as a Service” model, under which it provides operational capabilities to service providers without requiring them to develop their own infrastructure. Verty says its systems integrate flight operations, traffic management and vertiport functions on a single platform.
The planned South Korean deployment remains subject to the feasibility study, regulatory requirements and the development of the necessary infrastructure and operating framework. The companies have not announced specific routes, service frequencies or commercial pricing.
South Korea has been developing policy and demonstration programmes aimed at establishing advanced air mobility as part of the country’s future transport system. Against that backdrop, SkyDrive and Verty will use the feasibility study to examine how the SD-05 could fit into potential commercial operations.
