TOYOTA, Japan, March 6th, 2026 – SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, is delighted to announce the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with MASC (Okayama Kurashiki Mizushima Aero & Space Industry Cluster Study Group; a “general incorporated association”) over the future purchase of SKYDRIVE (SkyDrive Model SD-05) aircraft. The LOI includes basic agreements over specific aircraft pricing and delivery schedules. Concurrent with the agreement, both parties have also worked together to designate future aerial sightseeing routes that will allow passengers to experience the beauty of Japan’s Inland Sea (*2) through flights over and around the Kasaoka Islands, Kojima and Washuzan among other areas.
■ A Growing Partnership between SkyDrive and MASC
SkyDrive is developing eVTOLs with the goal of becoming a key player in the ongoing “once-in-a-century mobility revolution”. Through this revolution, the use of advanced air mobility to provide short-haul trips and tours will become a regular part of everyday life.
Following successful demonstration flights of the “SKYDRIVE” (SkyDrive Model SD-05) at Expo 2025 Osaka (*3), the company now has its sights firmly set on its next major milestone — the introduction into commercial service of its aircraft in 2028.
MASC, a research group based in the Mizushima District of Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, aims to create future value for the local business community and economy by focusing on opportunities to harness advanced aerospace technologies. Working together with companies and local authorities in Okayama and further afield, MASC aims to leverage the value of service businesses connected to the growing eVTOL industry.
In November 2023, MASC and SkyDrive signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a pre-order for the future purchase of the SKYDRIVE (*4). Since signing the MOU, both parties have held further discussions over a concrete purchase timeline, with those discussions culminating in today’s announcement of an official LOI detailing aircraft sales prices and delivery schedules.
Under the LOI, SkyDrive plans to deliver two aircraft to MASC during 2028, with the goal of entering those two aircraft into service the same year. SkyDrive is committed to further discussions with MASC as we deepen our partnership in preparation for a 2028 service launch.
Aircraft purchase timeline | 2 aircraft (2028) |
■ Concrete Plans for Aerial Tourism and Business Development in the Inland Sea Region
As part of their collaboration SkyDrive and MASC aim to promote tourism over Japan’s Inland Sea. After a series of discussions, both parties have proposed plans for future EVTOL tourist routes.
These plans form part of MASC’s “SCAI28” business plan, which includes proposals to spur local tourist-based businesses through the development of air mobility corridors between the beach resort of Ushimado and Shodo Island and also between Uno and the well-known “Art Island” of Naoshima. Further plans include circular tours starting and concluding in Washuzan. SkyDrive and MASC have now added details to these plans with the establishment of specific routes including one route that will circle the skies above the Kasaoka Islands, enjoying the beauty of the many islands dotted throughout the bay, and another route focusing on the stunning coastal scenery around Kojima and Washuzan.
Beyond Tourism, MASC and SkyDrive are also examining ways to harness the potential of eVTOL to provide wider community benefits. As populations fall and the average age of residents increases in Japan’s rural areas, eVTOL has significant potential both as a means of transport for medical professionals visiting remote communities and also as a driver of logistics services between underserved island and mountain areas. The flexible operating characteristics of the SKYDRIVE (SkyDrive Model SD-05) can support the construction of new air mobility networks that complement existing transport infrastructure. MASC and SkyDrive aim together to launch commercial services in the region in 2028, taking advantage of the unique benefits of short-range eVTOL to energize local communities, culture, and economic growth through the power of air mobility.
■ Comment from SkyDrive founder and CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa
SkyDrive has a long-standing relationship with MASC and together we have been discussing how to harness eVTOL for the benefit of the Inland Sea region. We have followed up on the pre-order we received from MASC in November 2023 with another significant step toward commercialization with this new agreement, which includes specific
aircraft purchase prices and an agreed delivery schedule for 2028.
As a new means of air mobility, we are confident that our eVTOLs will, in the near future, make a significant contribution to the growth of tourism in the islands of the Inland Sea, while also benefitting local residents in other ways too, as our aircraft can help resolve various issues faced by these communities. SkyDrive is moving steadily forward with the development of our aircraft and our business plans as, with the strong support of MASC as our partner, we work to launch our services in 2028 as a starting point toward the eventual regular daily use of eVTOL.
■ Comment from MASC President Minehito Inoue
It is our great pleasure to announce this purchase of SkyDrive’s aircraft, a meaningful step forward for MASC. The eVTOL industry in Japan is moving out of the feasibility phase and into the operational phase. Our purchase of these aircraft is more than just a simple commercial transaction, it is an important milestone in the roll-out of a feasible, working model of eVTOL operations in our region.
MASC is working to build frameworks for advanced air mobility that can contribute to a broad range of sectors across the Inland Sea region, including tourism, disaster prevention and relief, and medical logistics. We hope that our progress can serve as a model for other initiatives across Japan wishing to incorporate advanced air mobility services into regional economies and communities.
■ About MASC
MASC, standing for “Okayama Kurashiki Mizushima Aero & Space Industry Cluster Study Group”, is a research group based in the Mizushima District of Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. Incorporated as a “general incorporated association”, MASC aims to create future value for the local business community and economy by harnessing advanced aerospace technologies.
MASC is inspired by the history of the local aviation industry in Okayama and the efforts of previous generations to contribute to the local community through industry and technology. The organization brings together various local leaders and organizations under the common goal of making a difference, both at work and in wider society, through deep engagement in initiatives which enhance quality of life, passing down dreams and inspiration to the next generation.
https://masc-jp.com/
Editor’s Note:
(*1) “eVTOL” is an abbreviation for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing. As the name suggests, eVTOL aircraft can take off and land without a runway. eVTOLs are powered by electricity and incorporate advanced, automatic, flight control technology.
(*2) Japan’s Inland Sea region is also known as the “Setouchi region”.
(*3) Related press release: https://skydrive.co.jp/en/archives/16771
(*4) Related press release: https://skydrive.co.jp/en/archives/10569
Contact:
Kaori Saito
Public Relations
SkyDrive Inc.
Email: info@skydrive.co.jp
Download the PDF from below:
【SkyDrive】MASC Signs Letter of Intent with SkyDrive for the Purchase of SKYDRIVE Aircraft_20260306.pdf
