TOYOTA, Japan, April 1st, 2026 – SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, is pleased to announce the appointment of Motohisa Imamura as the new President of its manufacturing subsidiary, Sky Works Inc. (“Sky Works”) (Headquarters: Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture), effective April 1, 2026. Mr. Imamura brings extensive manufacturing expertise from Suzuki Motor Corporation (“Suzuki”), where he spearheaded the production of prototypes for automobiles, motorcycles, and outboard motors.
■ Background of the appointment
In March 2022, SkyDrive entered into a commercial and technological partnership with Suzuki. This agreement allows SkyDrive to leverage Suzuki’s manufacturing expertise to achieve the consistent production of safe, high-quality eVTOL aircraft for delivery to markets around the world. In September 2023, SkyDrive founded the subsidiary Sky Works to take responsibility for aircraft manufacturing, with production starting in March 2024 at a Suzuki Group plant in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture. As the two companies strengthen their relationship in preparation for further business development inside Japan and overseas, the current cooperation between SkyDrive and Suzuki also includes financial investment from Suzuki in SkyDrive, support from Suzuki for SkyDrive’s business development in India, and the appointment of Naoki Ishii, Representative Director and Executive Vice President of Suzuki, as an independent SkyDrive director (*2).
At Sky Works, Mr. Imamura has led the manufacturing of eVTOL test aircraft since being invited from Suzuki as Assistant to the President. To establish a mass production system for commercialization in 2028, SkyDrive has appointed Mr. Imamura as President. This transition will allow Suzuki’s world-class manufacturing expertise and organizational management insights to be directly integrated into eVTOL aircraft manufacturing, accelerating the optimization of manufacturing sites and the development of next-generation organizational structures.
Outgoing Sky Works President Nobuo Kishi will transition to a new role as Director. In this capacity, he will focus exclusively on overseeing certification and safety strategies aimed at obtaining Type Certification (TC) for the entire SD series, while also spearheading global business expansion. As a cornerstone of aircraft development, he will continue to drive the company’s business growth.
■ Comments
Motohisa Imamura, President of Sky Works Inc.: “It is a privilege to take on the role of President of Sky Works Inc., effective April 1, 2026. Carrying forward the vision of my predecessor, Nobuo Kishi, we are now transitioning from the development phase of the “SKYDRIVE” (SkyDrive Model SD-05) to an ambitious new stage: mass production and commercial deployment. Building on our successful acquisition of Approved Organization (AO) status, we are now fully committed to overcoming the next major hurdle—obtaining Type Certification (TC)—to deliver Japan’s first eVTOL to the world. Operating as ‘One Team,’ we will spearhead the air mobility revolution and turn the dream of everyday flight into a reality.”
＜Biography of Motohisa Imamura＞
1989: Joined Suzuki Motor Corporation.
Throughout his career in the prototype and manufacturing divisions, Mr. Imamura has been dedicated to the production of automobiles, motorcycles, and outboard motors. Starting from the front lines of manufacturing, he rose to lead the prototype department, where he spearheaded fundamental process reforms and dramatically accelerated development cycles. He also committed himself to building robust systems that seamlessly bridge design and production, while passionately mentoring the next generation of talent.
Subsequently, he served as Deputy Plant Manager at Suzuki’s flagship Kosai Plant No. 1 and later at the Engine and Outboard Motor Plant. Notably, in the outboard motor business, he was instrumental in driving the establishment of high-volume production systems. By fusing his deep technical expertise with global manufacturing management, he has become a pivotal figure in Suzuki’s prototype operations, playing a central role in supporting the development of next-generation mobility.
2023: Seconded to Sky Works Inc. as Assistant to the President.
Led the production of the “SD-05” prototype (SD-05-00).
2024: Concurrently appointed as Head of Production Division at SkyDrive Inc.
Oversaw the establishment of a mass production system as Head of the Production Division, leveraging decades of automotive manufacturing expertise to pave the way for full-scale commercialization.
2026: Appointed as President of Sky Works Inc. (Current position).
Editor’s Notes:
(*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) Related Press Release：
Collaborate on eVTOL business and technology
https://skydrive.co.jp/en/archives/7323
Beginning production of revolutionary eVTOL aircraft with Suzuki
https://skydrive.co.jp/en/archives/12380
Suzuki’s Representative Director and Executive VP appointed as an Independent Director
https://skydrive.co.jp/en/archives/16666
Contact:
Public Relations
SkyDrive Inc.
Email: info@skydrive.co.jp
https://skydrive.co.jp/en/contact
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【SkyDrive】SkyDrive Appoints Motohisa Imamura as New President of Manufacturing Subsidiary Sky Works, Leveraging Suzuki’s Global Manufacturing Expertise_20260401.pdf