The landscape of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in East Asia is rapidly shifting as major international collaborations take root. Japanese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer SkyDrive has officially announced a strategic partnership with South Korea’s Verty to lay the groundwork for commercial eVTOL operations across South Korea.
Under a newly signed memorandum of understanding, the two companies are setting their sights on an ambitious commercial deployment window by 2028. The core of this collaborative effort involves the introduction and integration of SkyDrive’s signature three-seat aircraft, known as the SKYDRIVE or SD-05. To ensure a seamless rollout, the partnership will conduct comprehensive feasibility studies examining flight safety protocols, critical ground infrastructure requirements, and potential high-demand flight corridors throughout the country.
The collaboration represents a significant milestone for both organizations. SkyDrive, recognized as Japan’s sole compact eVTOL developer actively pursuing formal type certification, is expanding its international footprint beyond its home market. Meanwhile, Verty—a Seoul-based enterprise specializing in urban air mobility infrastructure and software—is positioning itself to become a frontrunner in South Korea’s burgeoning commercial flight sector.
Tourism and Regional Transportation
As the partners map out their operational strategy, early market entry points are beginning to take shape. Chief among these initial concepts are tourism-focused scenic flights and localized regional transportation routes.
SkyDrive and Verty have identified several high-value tourist destinations as prime candidates for early deployment, most notably Jeju Island, a premier international resort destination renowned for its natural landscapes. In addition to leisure-oriented routes, the companies will examine inter-city transportation options within the densely populated Seoul Metropolitan Area, including key regional hubs such as Goyang City.
Verty is currently developing an advanced, proprietary operating system designed to unify several vital components of future air travel. This system integrates flight operations management, cutting-edge air traffic management solutions, and vertiport operational controls into a single cohesive platform. Through these efforts, Verty harbors the distinct ambition of becoming the first operator in South Korea to secure an official Air Operator Certificate dedicated specifically to eVTOL operations.
Dong-Woo Kim, CEO of Verty, expressed immense enthusiasm regarding the alliance and the selection of aircraft. He noted that partnering with Japan’s sole compact eVTOL developer pursuing type certification marks a pivotal moment in opening a new era of air mobility for both nations.
According to Kim, Verty’s initial commercialization strategy revolves around a tourism-focused operational model. This particular approach demands an aircraft capable of performing short-haul routes economically and efficiently. After careful evaluation, Verty’s leadership team determined that SkyDrive’s three-seater SD-05 is the ideal vehicle to meet those rigorous operational demands. As a committed partner, Kim emphasized that the company will dedicate its full energy to bringing SkyDrive’s innovative vision to life in both Japan and South Korea.
Building Toward Commercial Operations
The landmark agreement effectively adds South Korea to an expanding list of international markets where SkyDrive is actively laying the groundwork for future commercial services. Concurrently, the Japanese developer remains intensely focused on securing type certification for the SD-05, staying firmly on track to meet its overarching goal of launching commercial service by 2028.
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, founder and CEO of SkyDrive, shared his appreciation for the partnership and the dynamic regulatory and industrial environment found within South Korea. He highlighted the exceptional expertise and robust local network that Verty brings to the table, which will be instrumental in navigating the South Korean market.
Fukuzawa noted that South Korea is making remarkable progress through the close collaboration of both public and private sectors, successfully paving the way for future commercial eVTOL services. By merging SkyDrive’s advanced aerospace technologies with Verty’s specialized operational expertise, both companies aim to deliver safe, highly convenient, and innovative air mobility solutions to the people of South Korea.
As the feasibility studies get underway, the findings will provide crucial data on how the SD-05 can best support the evolution of tourism and regional connectivity within South Korea’s developing AAM ecosystem.
