SkyDrive and AeroGulf Services Reach Key Agreement for 20 eVTOL Aircraft with Deliveries Starting in 2028
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a global leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced today that it has reached a general understanding with AeroGulf Services Company LLC concerning the potential purchase of 20 “SKYDRIVE (SkyDrive type SD-05 model)” eVTOL aircraft. This agreement establishes the framework for the transaction, including pricing structures and delivery schedules, with 10 units expected to be delivered in 2028 and an additional 10 units in 2029. The agreement represents a major milestone in SkyDrive’s mission to achieve full-scale commercialization of its eVTOL aircraft, further advancing the vision of integrating air mobility into daily life.
This development is particularly significant for SkyDrive, as it represents the first detailed engagement with a commercial customer outside Japan. By forging this international partnership, SkyDrive underscores its commitment to serving global markets and highlights the strategic importance of the UAE as a hub for advanced aviation technology. The agreement outlines core commercial elements, such as pricing considerations and delivery planning, demonstrating a structured approach to operational readiness and customer engagement.
For AeroGulf Services, Dubai’s premier helicopter charter operator, this collaboration positions the company as a pioneering force in the Middle East’s advanced air mobility (AAM) sector. By introducing cutting-edge, zero-emission eVTOL technology, AeroGulf is taking a leading role in reshaping urban air transportation, offering customers innovative solutions that are environmentally conscious and technologically advanced.
Background: SkyDrive’s Vision and AeroGulf’s Ambition
SkyDrive’s mission is to “lead the once-in-a-century mobility revolution,” developing eVTOL aircraft that seamlessly integrate into urban transportation systems and redefine personal and commercial mobility. Following a series of successful demonstration flights at Expo 2025 in Osaka, SkyDrive has focused on moving beyond testing and validation toward full-scale commercialization of its aircraft by 2028. The company’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability forms the cornerstone of its technological strategy, ensuring that every aircraft meets the highest international standards.
AeroGulf Services has long been at the forefront of aviation innovation in Dubai. Established as a leading helicopter charter operator, the company has historically connected Dubai’s skyline with the wider region, supporting a range of operations from luxury travel to industrial services. Today, AeroGulf is committed to advancing a new tourism and urban mobility initiative that leverages environmentally conscious, next-generation technologies. In February 2025, the two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the commercial potential of operating eVTOL flights above Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah. This MOU set the stage for discussions regarding the pre-order of up to 50 eVTOL aircraft, reflecting AeroGulf’s ambition to integrate sustainable aviation into the region’s transport ecosystem.
Through continued dialogue and technical collaboration, SkyDrive and AeroGulf have now moved from the evaluation stage” to a formal understanding of key commercial parameters. This agreement covers the purchase of 20 “SKYDRIVE (SkyDrive type SD-05 model)” aircraft, structured as 10 units for delivery in 2028 and 10 units in 2029. The schedule is aligned with AeroGulf’s plans to launch eVTOL services in Dubai, ensuring that both companies can meet their respective commercialization objectives.
Details of the Purchase Agreement
Total Units: 20 eVTOL aircraft
Delivery Schedule:
- 2028: 10 units
- 2029: 10 units
SkyDrive will work closely with AeroGulf Services to ensure the timely production and delivery of these aircraft, with attention to quality assurance, safety standards, and operational readiness. This approach reflects SkyDrive’s broader commitment to establishing a robust international supply chain and providing customers with reliable, high-performance eVTOL solutions.
Beyond the technical and operational aspects, the agreement signals a strategic alignment between two companies dedicated to transforming urban air mobility. By combining SkyDrive’s innovative aircraft design and manufacturing expertise with AeroGulf’s deep experience in aviation operations and market knowledge, this partnership is poised to deliver an elevated passenger experience in Dubai and beyond.
Implications for Global eVTOL Commercialization
This partnership marks a critical step for SkyDrive in its journey toward international expansion. Until now, the company’s commercial efforts had primarily focused on the domestic Japanese market. By establishing a framework with AeroGulf in the UAE, SkyDrive demonstrates its ability to meet international customer requirements, including regulatory compliance, operational planning, and market-specific adaptations.
For the Middle East, the agreement represents a transformative moment for sustainable aviation. Dubai has positioned itself as a global hub for advanced mobility solutions, and AeroGulf’s introduction of eVTOL aircraft contributes directly to the city’s ambitious goals for smart urban transport and environmentally conscious infrastructure. This collaboration aligns with regional strategies to reduce carbon emissions while providing high-efficiency, low-noise air transport for commercial and leisure applications.
The deliveries planned for 2028 and 2029 will serve as the foundation for AeroGulf’s operational rollout. The initial 10 aircraft in 2028 are intended to coincide with the first commercial flights over the Palm Jumeirah, demonstrating eVTOL technology in a high-profile urban environment. The subsequent 10 units in 2029 will support service expansion, enabling AeroGulf to scale operations and further integrate eVTOL aircraft into Dubai’s transport network.
Reaching a general understanding on commercial parameters for up to 20 SkyDrive aircraft with AeroGulf Services, Dubai’s premier helicopter charter operator, is a significant step toward global commercialization and a source of great inspiration for our team. This milestone underscores the Middle East’s role as a strategic hub for realizing SkyDrive’s vision of everyday air mobility.
By establishing a framework that addresses both pricing and delivery considerations for 2028 and 2029, our transition from development to operations moves closer to reality. The focus on the iconic Palm Jumeirah will demonstrate how eVTOL technology can transform tourism and urban mobility. Through our manufacturing partnership with Suzuki Motor Corporation, we are committed to delivering safe, high-quality aircraft. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with AeroGulf Services as we advance Dubai’s position at the forefront of sustainable aviation.”
Fahad Mohammad Mir Hashem Khoory, CEO of AeroGulf Services Company LLC, added:
For almost half a century, AeroGulf has been the pulse of Dubai’s skies. From pioneering helicopter operations to oil platforms to supporting Dubai’s rapid growth, our company has consistently led the way. Today, our partnership with SkyDrive is more than a transaction—it is an investment in our people, our city, and the future of aviation.
We aim to give flight back to society as nature intended it: silent, sustainable, and seamless. By bringing these 20 eVTOL aircraft to Dubai, we reaffirm our commitment to progress while respecting the environment and heritage of our home. In Dubai, we do not wait for the future; we build it. AeroGulf was there at the start, and we are here to ensure the next chapter of aviation is as bold and inspiring as the first.”
Next Steps
SkyDrive and AeroGulf will continue to collaborate on finalizing the technical specifications, certification requirements, and operational procedures for the SD-05 model aircraft. Both companies are committed to ensuring that deliveries proceed on schedule and that the aircraft are fully prepared for commercial service by 2028.
The collaboration also paves the way for potential future expansions. With a pre-order of up to 50 aircraft previously discussed, SkyDrive and AeroGulf have signaled the possibility of scaling operations beyond the initial 20 units, positioning Dubai as a showcase city for next-generation air mobility. As eVTOL technology becomes increasingly mainstream, these early deployments will provide valuable operational insights that can be applied to other international markets.
Founded with the mission to redefine urban mobility, SkyDrive Inc. specializes in the design, development, and manufacture of eVTOL aircraft. The company focuses on creating safe, sustainable, and high-performance aircraft that integrate seamlessly into daily transportation networks. Leveraging partnerships with industry leaders, including Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive is driving the global commercialization of electric air mobility solutions.
AeroGulf Services has been at the forefront of aviation in Dubai for nearly five decades. As a leading helicopter charter operator, AeroGulf has provided services ranging from industrial transport to luxury tourism. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, the company is now expanding its portfolio to include environmentally conscious, next-generation air mobility solutions, positioning itself as a leader in the Middle East’s emerging eVTOL sector.
This agreement between SkyDrive and AeroGulf marks a historic moment in global eVTOL commercialization, showcasing how visionary technology partnerships can transform urban mobility, reduce environmental impact, and create a new era of air travel. With deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028, the skies of Dubai are set to become the next frontier for sustainable aviation, combining heritage, innovation, and the promise of silent, zero-emission flight.
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