SkyDrive Signs Australia’s First eVTOL LOI With Gold Coast Helitours
Japan-based eVTOL developer SkyDrive has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Australian helicopter operator Gold Coast Helitours for the potential purchase of up to five SD-05 “SKYDRIVE” aircraft. The agreement is SkyDrive’s first LOI with an Australian operator and includes indicative pricing and delivery terms.
Under the agreement, Gold Coast Helitours is targeting delivery of two aircraft in 2028 and three more in 2029. The companies have also agreed in principle on a proposed sightseeing route for the aircraft, with commercial operations targeted for 2028, subject to regulatory approvals.
The planned service would operate from the existing Gold Coast Helitours heliport at Marina Mirage in Main Beach. The approximately 10-minute scenic flight would cover the Broadwater, Southport and Surfers Paradise, positioning the aircraft initially for tourism rather than point-to-point urban transport.
The partnership comes as the Gold Coast explores advanced air mobility (AAM) applications. The region has an established helicopter tourism sector, while eVTOL aircraft are being assessed for their potential to provide quieter and lower-emission alternatives for certain short-distance operations.
From left Scott Menzies Chief Pilot Director of Gold Coast Helitours
Keisuke Yasukochi Global Intelligence Officer of SkyDrive
Before the proposed service can begin, SkyDrive and Gold Coast Helitours will need to work toward the required type certification and other regulatory approvals. The companies also plan to develop dedicated infrastructure at Southport Airfield, including a vertiport and a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility.
Southport Airfield could eventually become a maintenance hub for a wider eVTOL network connecting the Gold Coast city centre, commercial areas and Gold Coast Airport. That longer-term development would extend the partnership beyond sightseeing and into broader regional air mobility.
