Microsoft's SkyDrive commencement of demo flights during the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan during the summer season

Microsoft's SkyDrive commencement of demo flights during the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan during the summer season

SkyDrive, a Japanese eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft manufacturer, is showcasing its innovative technology at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The demonstration flights of the SkyDrive Model SD-05 are taking place at the EXPO Vertiport, located in the Mobility Experience Area in the northwest corner of the Expo venue.

Important Information for Visitors

For a smooth and safe experience, all radio-emitting electronic devices, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled devices, should be switched to flight mode or turned off near the EXPO Vertiport. Please arrive at the EXPO Vertiport area before the advertised flight time to secure a good viewing spot.

SkyDrive will fly at the EXPO Vertiport every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between August 1 and August 24. The demonstration flight reached a height of 4 meters and lasted for 3 minutes, showcasing the aircraft's capabilities and safety.

Safety Measures and Instructions

Safety marshals and other authorized personnel instructions should be followed for safety and comfort. Demonstration flight spectators are advised to use the nearby rest area (Group Rest Area: West) and stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke. No advance reservations are needed to watch the demonstration flights.

SkyDrive's Future Plans

SkyDrive aims to launch commercial eVTOL operations in Osaka's Morinomiya area from as early as 2028, in collaboration with Osaka Metro Company. Ltd. and the Osaka City authorities. The company has successfully completed demonstration flights, including one at Expo 2025 in July 2025, showcasing the aircraft's capabilities and safety.

SkyDrive plans to initially launch commercial operations in Japan, with strong strategic partnerships with railway companies JR East and JR Kyushu to integrate vertiports into Japan’s railway networks. This integration aims to provide seamless air-to-ground urban mobility solutions within Japan. Additionally, SkyDrive is exploring commercial operations in other regions such as Gujarat, India, and Greenville, South Carolina, USA, but the primary planned launch location is Japan.

The aircraft is stabilized using automatic control technology, and the SkyDrive Model SD-05 is uncrewed and operated by remote control. SkyDrive is working towards achieving type certification for commercial operation of the SKYDRIVE aircraft.

For the latest information on actual flight times, please refer to the official EXPO 2025 Visitors app and SkyDrive's own social media. Crowding is expected around the EXPO Vertiport before, during, and after the demonstration flights, so visitors are encouraged to plan their visit accordingly.

The successful demonstration of the SkyDrive aircraft at Expo 2025 is one of SkyDrive's key development milestones. The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) issued the G-1 certification basis for SkyDrive's 3-seater SD-05 eVTOL model on February 10, 2025, marking a crucial regulatory milestone toward full type certification essential for commercial service. SkyDrive is moving closer to its goal of achieving full type certification in Japan and FAA certification in the US around 2026 or later to support broader commercial deployments.

[1] SkyDrive Corporation. (2023). Press Release: SkyDrive Corporation selected to demonstrate smart mobility technology at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

[2] SkyDrive Corporation. (2025). Press Release: SkyDrive Corporation successfully completes demonstration flight of SkyDrive Model SD-05 at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

[3] SkyDrive Corporation. (2025). Press Release: SkyDrive Corporation announces plans for initial commercial operations in Japan and beyond

[4] SkyDrive Corporation. (2023). Press Release: SkyDrive Corporation and JR East agree to collaborate on vertiport integration into Japan's railway networks

1. Visitors are advised to manage their smart-home devices and gadgets, ensuring they are switched to flight mode or turned off during the SkyDrive exhibitions, as radio-emitting electronic devices can interfere with the aircraft's operations.
2. SkyDrive's future plans include integration of their eVTOL technology into the transportation, aerospace, and even finance industries, with collaborations aimed at providing seamless air-to-ground urban mobility solutions and commercial operations not only in Japan, but also in regions like Gujarat, India, and Greenville, South Carolina, USA.
3. The SkyDrive Model SD-05 aircraft utilizes technology and automatic control systems found in the realm of advanced technology, such as those employed in industries like finance, aerospace, and smart-home devices.

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