Japanese eVTOL aircraft maker SkyDrive announced Monday at the 2023 Paris Air Show the signing of a basic agreement with legacy automaker Suzuki to co-develop an eVTOL aircraft.
Agreement
As per the agreement, SkyDrive will build a 100% owned business unit solely for the eVTOL aircraft “SKYDRIVE” development.
For context, the “SKYDRIVE” is a three-seater, all-electric, lightweight aircraft featuring vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
“At Suzuki, all manufacturing activities are based on a concept, ‘Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, and Neater’ and SkyDrive is developing lightweight air mobilities. Suzuki and SkyDrive have been collaborating since March 2022, and we are very excited that SkyDrive will utilize the production facility of Suzuki to build our eVTOL ‘SKYDRIVE.’
In our pursuit to consistently manufacture safe and high-quality aircraft for the world, we are grateful for the valuable know-how we will learn from Suzuki, a global leader in automobile mass production. Suzuki and SkyDrive will work closely towards the shared goal.”
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, SkyDrive Inc. CEO
The new subsidiary will leverage the Japanese automaker’s production facility in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.
Apart from providing the necessary facility, Suzuki will also be responsible for sourcing employees and other preparations ahead of production.
“We are excited to cooperate with SkyDrive as we ambitiously work towards creating valuable products that contribute to the realization of a world where people use the sky for their daily transportations.”
Toshihiro Suzuki, Suzuki Motor Corporation President
SkyDrive also announced plans to officially begin the production of the “SKYDRIVE” eVTOL aircraft by spring 2024.
See Also:
- Blade Air Mobility, BETA Technologies successfully complete eVTOL test flight in New York
- China approved first eVTOL flight for XPeng AeroHT’s X2
- eVTOLS could decide future of urban air mobility
- VW China launches “Flying Tiger” eVTOL Passenger Drone
- Eve’s flying taxi completes wind tunnel test in Switzerland
Unfortunately, the partners are yet to come up with more thorough terms and conditions in further discussions.
