SkyDrive Inc., an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, will conduct additional demonstration flights of the SKYDRIVE (SkyDrive Model SD-05) at Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
The first flight of this new series is scheduled for July 31, 2025, with further flights continuing throughout the summer.
Members of the press and Expo staff watch SkyDrive’s first sortie from the Expo Vertiport on April 9, 2025.
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In February 2023, SkyDrive was selected among a group of advanced air mobility companies chosen to showcase their smart mobility technologies at the Expo, under its theme of presenting innovations that will shape the future of society.
As a result, SkyDrive’s successful demonstration flight became one of its key development milestones. That milestone was achieved in April 2025 with the inaugural flight over the Expo Vertiport.
Since April, SkyDrive has continued development and testing, successfully completing a series of test flights to confirm safety across a broader flight envelope. As the aircraft’s capabilities advance, SkyDrive is excited to present further demonstrations, as outlined below.
SkyDrive Demonstration Flights at Osaka Expo – Summer Schedule
• From mid-July: Onsite preparations
• July 31 (Thursday) – Aug. 24 (Sunday):
During this period, the SKYDRIVE will fly from the Expo Vertiport on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. One or two flights are scheduled each day between sunrise and sunset.
(No flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.)
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For the latest information on actual flight times, refer to the official Expo 2025 Visitors app.
Please note:
• The above schedule is provisional and subject to change without notice.
• Flights may be postponed or canceled due to weather or aircraft maintenance.
Demonstration Flight Area
Following a comprehensive safety analysis, SkyDrive has designated the Expo Vertiport—located in the Mobility Experience Area in the northwest corner of the Expo venue—as the takeoff and landing point for all flights.
Viewing the SkyDrive Demonstration Flights
• No advance reservations are required.
• Please arrive at the area near the vertiport before the scheduled flight time.
Note: Scheduled times may change due to operational reasons.
• Please switch all radio-emitting electronic devices, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, to flight mode or turn them off to prevent interference with the aircraft.
• The Expo Vertiport is an outdoor venue with no indoor viewing area. Spectators are encouraged to use the nearby Group Rest Area (West) and stay hydrated to prevent heatstroke.
• Crowding is expected before, during and after the flights. For safety and comfort, follow the instructions of safety marshals and event staff.
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More Information on Advanced Air Mobility at Expo 2025
For up-to-date information, visit the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition website:
https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/future-index/smart-mobility/advanced-air-mobility/
Demonstration Flights at OSAKAKO Vertiport – September Onward
After completing flights at the Expo Vertiport, SkyDrive will conduct additional demonstration flights in September 2025 at OSAKAKO Vertiport, a newly opened eVTOL facility operated by Osaka Metro Co., Ltd.
Further details on the OSAKAKO flight schedule will be announced.
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OSAKAKO Vertiport Details
• Address: Kaigan Dori 1-105-5, Minato Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
• Area: Approx. 12,000 square meters
• Land owner: Osaka City
• Operator: Osaka Metro Co., Ltd.
• Website: https://advanced-air-mobility.osakametro.co.jp/ (Japanese only)
Facility Features
• Takeoff and landing area
• Vertiport hangar
• Passenger amenities
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Practice Flights Underway in Yamaguchi City
Ahead of the Osaka demonstrations, SkyDrive has been conducting rehearsal flights at its test site in Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
This site offers calm weather and an expansive test area over land and sea, supplementing SkyDrive’s existing test center in Toyota City. The Yamaguchi test facility is located within the Yamaguchi Kirara Haku Memorial Park.
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SkyDrive’s Future Development Roadmap
In parallel with demonstration flights at the Expo and OSAKAKO vertiports, SkyDrive continues to develop and test its aircraft at its facilities in Toyota City (Aichi Prefecture) and Yamaguchi City.
These efforts support SkyDrive’s goal of aircraft certification and seamless eVTOL integration into daily transportation systems.
SkyDrive is also committed to increasing public understanding and acceptance of this emerging transportation technology.
This press release was prepared and distributed by SkyDrive.
AloJapan.com