Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd. (Kintetsu GHD) Selects Leading Candidate Sites for Vertiports in the Shima Area
Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd. (Kintetsu GHD) is considering participating in the flying car business through collaboration with SkyDrive and other companies. This initiative is driven by the expectation of creating new value, such as generating visitor exchange, enhancing the value of areas along its railway lines, and increasing tourism appeal through the realization of flying cars.
■ Promising Vertiport Candidate Sites
Aiming for the implementation of flying cars in the latter half of the 2020s, three promising candidate sites for vertiports in the Shima area were selected last fiscal year.
■ Future Plans
We plan to explore candidate sites for vertiports in other areas such as Ise and Toba, and to examine specific flight routes for the realization of various use cases.
Related Press Release: “Kintetsu Group Holdings Selects Promising Vertiport Candidate Sites in the Shima Area“ https://skydrive.co.jp/en/archives/18091
SkyDrive and Osaka Metro Unveil “Flying Car” Osaka Diamond Route Concept
SkyDrive Inc. (hereinafter “SkyDrive”) announced plans for the “Osaka Diamond Routes” at the “Osaka Roundtable”. These proposed eVTOL routes connect four key destinations in Osaka: Shin-Osaka/Umeda, Morinomiya, Tennoji/Abeno, and the Osaka Bay Area. Market research has already identified these areas as critical hubs for the city’s future mobility network. SkyDrive and Osaka Metro plan to launch services in the Morinomiya area by around 2028, before working to gradually expand operations through 2030 and beyond.
■ Delivering New Value in Airborne Sightseeing and Travel
The proposed areas have been strategically selected to highlight Osaka’s breathtaking cityscapes and offer convenient access to major tourist attractions. SkyDrive’s eVTOL will transform intra-urban journeys into exciting and memorable experiences, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy the city’s stunning aerial views while flying in privacy and comfort.
■ Next Steps
SkyDrive and Osaka Metro will continue to collaborate closely with the government, Osaka Prefecture and the Osaka City authorities, as well as other relevant organizations and business partners, to bring these commercial services to market. Key areas of focus include finalizing vertiport locations and completing the further studies required to establish flight routes. SkyDrive and Osaka Metro also plan to roll out a phased expansion of these services, first into the surrounding suburbs, and then into the greater Kansai region. Together, the two companies seek to unlock the potential of air mobility and provide passengers with added value through new air transport services, developing an upgraded transport infrastructure that will enhance Osaka’s reputation as a leading city for innovation and tourism.
Related Press Release: “SkyDrive and Osaka Metro Sign Agreement Towards Social Implementation of eVTOL after the EXPO 2025“ https://skydrive.co.jp/en/archives/13429
SkyDrive and JR Kyushu Announce Vision for Operations in Oita
SkyDrive Inc. (hereinafter “SkyDrive”) and Kyushu Railway Company (hereinafter “JR Kyushu”) have signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with Oita Prefecture to explore how the future provision of eVTOL services can improve the prefecture’s transportation infrastructure, providing economic benefits and improved travel convenience to local communities and businesses.
■ Operational Vision
SkyDrive and JR Kyushu anticipate launching, from around the year 2028, scenic flights over Beppu Bay, air taxi operations within Beppu City, and air taxi services connecting the Beppu and Yufuin resorts. From 2030 onward, both companies also envision further expanding these services to include flights connecting Yufuin, Kokonoe, Kusu, and the Oku-Hita area, along with air taxi services from Oita City to the Beppu and Yufuin area, and from Oita Airport to both Beppu and Oita City.
While the precise nature of future ticket pricing will depend on flight frequency and passenger occupancy, JR Kyushu and SkyDrive intend to provide eVTOL air taxi services at prices low enough to compete with conventional road-based taxis.
As a professional group in aircraft manufacturing, sales, and operation aiming for the social implementation of flying cars, SkyDrive is confident that its high affinity with Oita Prefecture’s advanced nature will contribute to the regional revitalization of the prefecture.
■ Future Plans
Under their partnership agreement, SkyDrive and JR Kyushu intend to survey potential takeoff and landing sites, evaluate profitability, and establish a framework for future flight operations, laying the groundwork for the provision of commercially viable eVTOL services with a target service launch date sometime around 2028.
Related Press Release: “SkyDrive Secures ¥8.3 Billion in Pre-Series D Funding from Suzuki, JR East, JR Kyushu, and Others“ https://skydrive.co.jp/en/archives/15904
SkyDrive and East Japan Railway Company Begin Discussions on eVTOL Experiences at AZUMA FARM KOIWAI
SkyDrive Inc. (hereinafter “SkyDrive”) is pleased to announce that it has initiated discussions with East Japan Railway Company (“JR East”) to provide eVTOL experiences at the premium hotel “AZUMA FARM KOIWAI.” Scheduled to open in spring 2026 at Koiwai Farm, the hotel aims to offer guests a unique opportunity to experience air travel as part of its exclusive services.
Additionally, as part of the process to conclude a basic sales and purchase agreement in July 2025 and a final aircraft purchase agreement in August of the same year, we are pleased to announce that the two companies have agreed to a pre-order for one commercial “SKYDRIVE” aircraft.
■ Proposed Routes
The proposed routes include transfers from Morioka—the main access point for Koiwai Farm—to the hotel, as well as sightseeing tours around the hotel. The realization of travel by flying car will offer a moving and special experience, allowing passengers to enjoy a route passing very close to Mt. Iwate, providing a view that feels like being in a virtual space.
■ Future Plans
Moving forward, SkyDrive and JR East will jointly conduct discussions toward the practical application of flying cars, conduct business feasibility studies, and engage in activities to build momentum. Together, they aim to launch the service in time for the hotel’s opening, while also pursuing the installation of vertiports and the maintenance of airframes and equipment necessary for more efficient operations.
Related Press Release: “SkyDrive Secures ¥8.3 Billion in Pre-Series D Funding from Suzuki, JR East, JR Kyushu, and Others” https://skydrive.co.jp/en/archives/15904
Contact:
Public Relations
SkyDrive Inc.
Email: info@skydrive.co.jp
https://skydrive.co.jp/en/contact