SkyDrive and AeroGulf Services Forge Business Partnership with Pre-Order for 50 eVTOL Aircraft
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading Japanese manufacturer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has announced a strategic partnership with AeroGulf Services Company LLC (“AeroGulf Services”), a premier helicopter charter company based in Dubai. As part of this collaboration, the two companies have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the purchase of up to 50 ‘SKYDRIVE’ eVTOL aircraft, marking a significant step toward integrating advanced aerial mobility solutions into Dubai’s dynamic tourism and transportation sector.
A Vision for Sustainable Air Mobility in Dubai
Dubai, renowned for its forward-thinking approach to transportation and infrastructure, has long been an advocate for futuristic urban mobility solutions. The city’s leadership has expressed a strong commitment to sustainable aviation, aiming to reduce emissions while enhancing accessibility and efficiency in air travel. This partnership between SkyDrive and AeroGulf Services is aligned with Dubai’s vision for a smarter, greener future by introducing eco-friendly aerial transportation.
The two companies will explore commercial applications of eVTOL technology, focusing initially on touristic and sightseeing services in Dubai, with a particular emphasis on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. The collaboration will also assess potential flight routes, operational logistics, and infrastructure requirements necessary to integrate eVTOL services seamlessly into the city’s airspace.
Background and Rationale for the Partnership
SkyDrive has been actively exploring international expansion opportunities across the United States, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Middle East. The partnership with AeroGulf Services marks SkyDrive’s first foray into the Middle Eastern market, a strategic milestone that underscores the growing global demand for eVTOL solutions.
AeroGulf Services is Dubai’s first commercial helicopter operator, boasting decades of experience in charter flights, oil field transportation, aerial filming, and emergency medical services. Given the rapid evolution of aerial mobility technologies, AeroGulf sees eVTOL aircraft as a natural progression in its service offerings, particularly in the tourism sector. With its compact three-seater design, the ‘SKYDRIVE’ eVTOL is an ideal fit for urban aerial transport, enabling zero-emission operations that align with Dubai’s ambitious sustainability goals.
Strategic Goals and Business Applications
Through this partnership, SkyDrive and AeroGulf Services will focus on multiple key objectives:
1. Launching Sustainable Sightseeing Flights
Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, a globally recognized artificial island, will serve as the primary location for initial eVTOL sightseeing services. Tourists will have the opportunity to experience a bird’s-eye view of Dubai’s stunning coastline, skyscrapers, and architectural marvels—all while flying in an environmentally friendly aircraft.
2. Exploring Future eVTOL Transport Applications
Beyond sightseeing, both companies will analyze urban air mobility (UAM) applications, such as:
- Air taxi services connecting key business districts and residential areas
- Airport transfers for high-net-worth individuals and business travelers
- Luxury travel experiences for Dubai’s thriving hospitality industry
3. Developing Safe and Scalable eVTOL Operations
A key aspect of the partnership will involve safety protocols, infrastructure planning, and regulatory compliance. As a trusted aviation provider with strong maintenance expertise, AeroGulf Services is well-positioned to establish safe operational standards for eVTOL deployments.
Statements from Leadership
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive Inc.
“We have been working on market expansion in the US and Asia, and this collaboration with AeroGulf Services marks our first entry into the Middle Eastern market—a major milestone in bringing our eVTOL business vision to life.
AeroGulf Services is the oldest commercial helicopter operator in Dubai, with maintenance expertise that is utilized by the government of the United Arab Emirates. As a company that prioritizes safety and security, we consider AeroGulf Services to be the ideal partner for our operations in Dubai.Dubai is at the forefront of preparing for the operation of eVTOL aircraft, attracting residents, tourists, and business travelers from around the world. In collaboration with AeroGulf Services, we aim to introduce sightseeing flights using our compact ‘SKYDRIVE’ eVTOL aircraft, initially around the iconic artificial island of Palm Jumeirah. By offering many people first-hand experiences with our eVTOL, we hope to showcase its value and utility, bringing this groundbreaking form of transportation to a global audience.”
Fahad Mohammad Mir Hashem Khoory, CEO of AeroGulf Services Company LLC
“We are thrilled to partner with SkyDrive to bring the future of aviation to Dubai. Our commitment to sustainability and innovation is in perfect harmony with Dubai’s vision for a greener future. With eVTOL technology, we are taking a bold step towards transforming urban mobility while maintaining our dedication to safety, efficiency, and exceptional service.
Through this collaboration, AeroGulf Services and SkyDrive will establish a new benchmark for eco-friendly air travel in the region, offering seamless and sustainable aerial experiences for both residents and visitors. The deployment of eVTOL aircraft will not only reduce carbon emissions but also enhance connectivity and accessibility across Dubai’s key destinations.”
AeroGulf Services: A Legacy of Aviation Excellence
Established in Dubai in 1976, AeroGulf Services has been a pioneer in commercial aviation in the UAE. Initially founded to support Dubai Petroleum’s Oil and Gas operations, the company has since diversified its offerings into charter services, aerial filming, and emergency medical transport. AeroGulf’s expertise in aviation maintenance and regulatory compliance makes it an ideal partner for SkyDrive’s eVTOL operations.
For more information about AeroGulf Services, visit: www.aerogulfservices.com.
About SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive is at the forefront of the eVTOL revolution, striving to reshape urban mobility. The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014, officially incorporating as SkyDrive Inc. in 2018. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company in Japan to fly a crewed eVTOL.
Key milestones include:
- 2025: SkyDrive is working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to certify its latest eVTOL model, ‘SKYDRIVE’.
- March 2024: SkyDrive began production of ‘SKYDRIVE’ at a facility owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, its official production partner.
- Expo 2025 (Osaka, Japan): ‘SKYDRIVE’ eVTOL will be showcased and flown at the event, demonstrating its capabilities to a global audience.
SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur passionate about the future of aerial mobility.
For more information, visit: www.skydrive.co.jp.
Conclusion
The partnership between SkyDrive and AeroGulf Services marks a major leap forward for sustainable urban air mobility in Dubai. With a pre-order of up to 50 ‘SKYDRIVE’ eVTOL aircraft, this collaboration paves the way for the integration of eVTOL technology into Dubai’s tourism and transportation sectors.
As Dubai continues to position itself as a global leader in innovative transport solutions, this partnership represents a crucial step toward a future where zero-emission aerial mobility becomes a mainstream reality. Both SkyDrive and AeroGulf Services are committed to advancing the eVTOL industry, ensuring that sustainable and efficient air travel is accessible to all.