SkyDrive Enters Strategic Partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre to Advance eVTOL Mobility in the UAE
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), one of Japan’s most prominent pioneers in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aviation, has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). The agreement was formalized during DRIFTx 2025, held as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week—an event organized by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council to highlight global advancements in autonomy, future mobility, and intelligent transport. Through this partnership, ITC plans to introduce the SkyDrive SD-05 eVTOL aircraft as a new mode of transportation across the Emirate, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a rapidly rising global hub for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
The signing reflects Abu Dhabi’s widening efforts to build a world-class transport ecosystem that integrates autonomous systems, smart mobility innovations, and sustainable aviation solutions. As a government body affiliated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport, ITC oversees nearly every dimension of the Emirate’s transportation system, from land mobility and road networks to regulations, planning, and multimodal transportation strategy. Its decision to pursue a partnership with SkyDrive signals the Emirate’s accelerating commitment to enabling eVTOL deployment and establishing a new era of air-based mobility.
Background: Abu Dhabi’s Leadership in Advanced Air Mobility
In recent years, Abu Dhabi has moved decisively to position itself at the forefront of global AAM development. With major investments in intelligent transportation technology, urban air mobility initiatives, and future-oriented regulatory frameworks, the Emirate aims to become one of the world’s earliest adopters of commercial eVTOL passenger flights.
Under the leadership of ITC, a comprehensive AAM roadmap is underway, combining several critical elements:
- Regulatory Framework Development
Abu Dhabi is crafting aviation and mobility rules tailored specifically to eVTOL operations. This includes certification pathways, safety standards, airspace integration procedures, and licensing requirements aimed at supporting commercial aerial mobility in a controlled yet progressive manner. - Vertiport and Charging Infrastructure Planning
ITC is partnering with international urban mobility specialists to design, plan, and eventually implement a network of vertiports—purpose-built facilities for take-off, landing, and charging of electric aircraft. These vertiports will become the backbone of Abu Dhabi’s aerial mobility network, enabling seamless integration with the city’s existing transport infrastructure. - Feasibility Studies and Commercialization Models
The government is conducting extensive studies to evaluate passenger demand, ideal routes, cost structures, grid and charging readiness, and operational logistics. These studies will help ensure that commercial eVTOL services launch smoothly and sustainably.
By laying this groundwork, Abu Dhabi is setting the stage to become a global testbed and commercial launch site for eVTOL services. The partnership with SkyDrive, therefore, is not merely symbolic but deeply strategic.
The SkyDrive–ITC Partnership: Key Pillars of Collaboration
SkyDrive and ITC will work together on a multi-phase plan to develop and deploy eVTOL operations in the Emirate. Their collaboration will center on three major pillars:
1. Establishing an End-to-End eVTOL Ecosystem
Both parties will collaborate to define an operational model for eVTOL aviation in Abu Dhabi. This includes identifying the most viable routes—such as city-center connections, tourist corridors, inter-emirate links, and airport transfers—and designing a passenger journey that integrates seamlessly with existing modes of transportation.
2. Developing Vertiports and Charging Networks
Critical infrastructure will be co-planned between ITC and SkyDrive’s mobility engineering teams. This infrastructure is essential for enabling safe and efficient eVTOL operations, including:
- Vertiports with precision landing pads
- Passenger handling facilities
- Charging systems for electric aircraft
- Safety and air traffic integration mechanisms
SkyDrive’s SD-05 model, with its lightweight design and electric propulsion, is well-suited for short-to-medium-range urban air mobility routes, making it a promising candidate for early adoption.
3. Conducting Commercial Readiness and Feasibility Studies
The partnership will also focus on evaluating real-world applications of eVTOL aircraft in Abu Dhabi. The commercialization studies will assess:
- Operational viability and frequency
- Passenger demand patterns
- Expected environmental impact
- Standards for maintenance and safety
- Integration with Abu Dhabi’s multimodal transport vision
These studies will guide deployment timelines and help ensure that the SD-05 is introduced in ways that align with the Emirate’s strategic transport objectives.
Leadership Perspectives: Commitment to a New Era of Mobility
SkyDrive’s Vision for Everyday Aerial Mobility
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, the CEO and Founder of SkyDrive, expressed strong confidence in Abu Dhabi’s leadership and vision for air mobility. He emphasized the significance of partnering with ITC, praising the Emirate’s forward-thinking regulatory approach and willingness to invest in foundational infrastructure.
“We are deeply honored to partner with the Integrated Transport Centre and the Abu Dhabi government, who are demonstrating exceptional leadership in advancing both the infrastructure and regulatory frameworks necessary for eVTOL commercialization,” Fukuzawa said. “Abu Dhabi’s proactive approach and commitment to innovation make it an ideal partner as we work toward our vision of making the sky a part of everyday transportation.”
He further added that SkyDrive’s mission extends beyond introducing a new aircraft—it seeks to fundamentally redefine how people move in densely populated urban environments. Through this collaboration, SkyDrive aims to provide residents, business travelers, and tourists with a cleaner, faster, and more efficient way to travel within the Emirate.
ITC’s Drive Toward Next-Generation Smart Transportation
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General at the Integrated Transport Centre, emphasized that the agreements signed at DRIFTx—including the one with SkyDrive—reflect Abu Dhabi’s dedication to creating a seamless, interconnected transport ecosystem powered by innovative technologies.
“These agreements reflect Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building a smart, integrated transport system and adopting the latest autonomous-driving and advanced air mobility technologies, in support of our vision for more efficient and better-connected cities,” Dr. AlGhfeli stated. “As the regulatory authority for the transport sector, we are forging strategic local and international partnerships that will accelerate the shift towards future mobility solutions.”
His comments underscore ITC’s essential role as both a regulator and a strategic enabler, guiding the Emirate’s transition to advanced mobility solutions that align with global sustainability and smart city goals.
The SkyDrive SD-05: A Glimpse into the Future of Urban Flight
The SD-05, SkyDrive’s flagship eVTOL model, represents the culmination of years of engineering, flight testing, and design refinement. Featuring electric propulsion, compact architecture, and intuitive flight systems, the aircraft aims to provide a safe, accessible mobility option for urban travel. Its lightweight footprint and vertical take-off capabilities make it ideally suited for city operations where space, emissions, and noise concerns are paramount.
As Abu Dhabi works toward establishing a fully integrated aerial mobility network, the SD-05 stands as one of the aircraft positioned to become part of the region’s early eVTOL fleet.
The SkyDrive–ITC partnership marks the beginning of a long-term collaborative effort that aims to fundamentally transform how people travel within Abu Dhabi. Through careful planning, regulatory coordination, infrastructure development, and public-private collaboration, the Emirate is working to become a global frontrunner in eVTOL innovation.
As urban populations grow and mobility demands increase, eVTOL aircraft like the SkyDrive SD-05 offer a promising pathway to reduce road congestion, enhance connectivity, and provide sustainable mobility choices. The partnership unveiled at DRIFTx 2025 represents a crucial step toward making this future a reality—not just for Abu Dhabi, but for cities around the world seeking smarter, cleaner, and faster transportation solutions.
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