SkyDrive Announces US Market Entry, Plans for AAM Ecosystem in South Carolina
Continue reading below or listen to:
DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby
Today at the 2023 Annual VFS eVTOL Symposium in Mesa, Arizona, leading Japanese eVTOL manufacturers sky drive announced plans to enter the U.S. market and establish an operating presence in South Carolina. There, he plans to develop an advanced air mobility ecosystem and bring eVTOL to practical use in the region.
The company was first invited to South Carolina by the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC) last July. Utilizing the company’s SD-05 eVTOL aircraft, SkyDrive has focused on evaluating practical use cases generated from several major airports in South Carolina. The company has decided to create a statewide business infrastructure that will work towards enabling an advanced air mobility ecosystem that will put South Carolina at the forefront in its ability to support commercial operations of eVTOL aircraft.
“Our decision to make South Carolina our home and gateway to the U.S. market is a key player in the civil and military aviation industry and home to more than 400 aerospace and airline companies. Boeing and Lockheed Martin,” said Tomohiro Fukuzawa, founder and CEO of SkyDrive. “We truly believe that the vast number of resources available in South Carolina will provide SkyDrive with a substantial platform to achieve our goals.”
South Carolina’s mild climate, abundance of tourist attractions, and airports close to the city center are all ideal for use with SkyDrive’s SD-05 eVTOL aircraft. The state is also home to some of the country’s most dynamic aerospace companies, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The state’s robust supply chain, with its prowess in advanced aerospace manufacturing, includes companies such as SkyDrive supplier Toray Carbon Magic Co., Ltd.
South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III said: South Carolina Department of Commerce. “SkyDrive’s advanced electric propulsion technology and impact on sustainable transportation is a perfect fit for South Carolina’s business roster and the state’s expanding business development goals. We look forward to continuing our journey of continued growth and success.”
Frank Murray, Director of Planning and Facilities, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) said: ). “CAE, in collaboration with SkyDrive, is well positioned to contribute to this development by modeling an FAA-compliant advanced air mobility ecosystem with infrastructure requirements based on airport-departing flight use cases. It’s a collaborative effort, and CAE really looks forward to working with SkyDrive to explore new possibilities as we share a common vision to lead this once-in-a-century mobility revolution. I have.”
read more:
Ian attended Dominican University in California and graduated with a BA in English in 2019. With his lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and keen interest in technology, he now contributes to his DroneLife as a staff writer.
Miriam McNabb, editor-in-chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of professional drone services marketplace JobForDrones, is a fascinating observer of the emerging drone industry and drone regulatory environment. With her 3,000+ articles focused on the commercial drone space, Miriam is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and high tech she has over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, please email Miriam.
twitter:@spaldingbarker
Subscribe to Drone Life here.
