SkyDrive Inc., a pioneering Japanese eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) manufacturer, has officially announced a massive strategic expansion into the Florida market. By joining forces with key industry players—Aeroauto Global, Inc. and SAI Flight—SkyDrive is building the infrastructure necessary to make next-generation air travel an everyday reality.
The SkyDrive and Aeroauto Agreement: Securing the Fleet
The cornerstone of this strategic expansion is a newly signed Letter of Intent (LOI) between SkyDrive and Aeroauto Global, Inc., a leading Florida-based Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) integration partner. Announced during the VERTICON 2026 event in Atlanta, Georgia, this milestone agreement sets the terms for a major aircraft acquisition.
Key Details of the Aeroauto Partnership:
- Fleet Acquisition: Aeroauto has committed to purchasing eight of SkyDrive’s flagship “SKYDRIVE (SD-05)” aircraft.
- Delivery Timeline: The deployment will roll out sequentially. The first four units are scheduled for delivery in 2028, with the remaining four to follow in 2029.
- Infrastructure Synergy: Aeroauto is the operator of the world’s first specialized eVTOL showroom. They bring a robust sales network, vertiport development initiatives, and regional partnerships that are crucial for consumer adoption.
Sean Borman, Founder and CEO of Aeroauto, highlighted the massive potential of this region: “Florida represents one of the most compelling launch markets for Advanced Air Mobility anywhere in the world. Our partnership with SkyDrive brings together a powerful combination of aircraft innovation, operational expertise, and infrastructure development.”
Expanding the AAM Ecosystem with SAI Flight
SkyDrive’s vision extends beyond hardware sales; they are building a comprehensive operational ecosystem. To achieve this, the company has agreed to extend its existing partnership with SAI Flight.
Originally collaborating to establish a base in South Carolina, the SkyDrive and SAI Flight partnership is now expanding directly into Florida—which currently serves as SAI’s second-largest operational hub.
By uniting SkyDrive’s aircraft engineering, Aeroauto’s infrastructure and sales framework, and SAI’s proven flight operations, these three entities have formed a powerful “partnership cluster.” This cohesive business model is designed to catalyze operational readiness across the entire Southeastern corridor.
Hunter Cuthbertson III, President of SAI Flight, expressed his enthusiasm for the expanded services: “Given our collaboration with SkyDrive and Florida’s focus on leading the US in incorporating AAM operations, we’re happy to be part of this partnership cluster. As AAM becomes a reality in the coming years, we’re thrilled to be able to offer our clientele new services.”
Why the U.S. Southeast is the Perfect Launchpad
For SkyDrive, targeting the U.S. Southeast is a highly calculated move. Driven by their mission to lead a “once-in-a-century mobility revolution,” the company identified the region due to its deep ties to the aerospace industry, favorable year-round weather, and massive tourism and business markets.
By linking the operational ecosystem they have built in South Carolina with the high-demand markets of Florida, SkyDrive is creating a seamless, interconnected regional network.
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive, emphasized the importance of this groundwork: “We are focused on demonstrating a tangible business foundation in the U.S., backed by an active supply chain and a functional sales network… we are committed to driving market expansion across the U.S. Southeast from 2028 onward alongside our American partners.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Flying Cars
SkyDrive has been steadily building momentum on the global stage. Following their highly successful demonstrations at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka and subsequent flights in Tokyo, the company is proving that their technology is ready for the world.
The immediate future will involve close collaboration with local governments and airports in Florida to develop vertiports, charging systems, and pilot training pathways. This diligent preparation ensures that when the SD-05 aircraft are delivered in 2028, the infrastructure will be ready to support safe, scalable, and highly efficient air taxi networks.
Stay tuned to AarokaTech.com for more updates as we continue to cover the thrilling evolution of Advanced Air Mobility.
