Japanese Air Charter Group Plans To Operate SD-05 eVTOLs

Charter operator Japan Biz Aviation has signed a memorandum of understanding with SkyDrive that could lead to the launch of operations with the latter’s three-seat SD-05 eVTOLs. The agreement, signed on Thursday, furthers SkyDrive’s effort to work with air operator certificate (AOC) holders that could support plans for eVTOL air-taxi services.

From its base at Tokyo Haneda Airport (RJTT), Japan Biz Aviation operates a fleet that includes several Bell 429 helicopters and HondaJets. According to SkyDrive, Japan Biz might provide eVTOL air-taxi flights as part of its existing collaboration with Japanese railway companies, although the announcement did not say how many SD-05s it might buy.

Most of SkyDrive’s sales agreements in Japan have so far been placed by customers who do not currently hold an AOC. The company has reported provisional orders worldwide for 427 SD-05s, which it aims to start delivering in 2028, with customers based in countries such as Indonesia.

“We are working to promote business jet and helicopter charters as a new mobility option for travel around Japan,” said Japan Biz Aviation representative director Shin Koizumi. “This MoU is an important additional step forward that further broadens our business scope, allowing us to apply the operational know-how developed through our ongoing businesses to the new fields of eVTOL and advanced air mobility.”