Agreement Focuses on Exploring Feasibility of eVTOL Use in Osaka Area
SkyDrive Inc. and Osaka Metro Co., Ltd. have entered into an agreement to explore the practical use of eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) technology in the Osaka area following the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. This collaboration aims to determine how eVTOLs could integrate into the urban landscape as a new mode of daily transportation.
Shared Vision for Advanced Air Mobility
Both SkyDrive and Osaka Metro share a common goal: to make eVTOLs a regular part of everyday travel. SkyDrive, which was established in 2018 and has been at the forefront of developing eVTOL technology, envisions a future where these aircraft are accessible to everyone. The company is participating in the Advanced Air Mobility “Smart Mobility Expo” Project in 2025, reflecting its commitment to this vision.
Osaka Metro, which operates a comprehensive public transit system, is also pursuing innovations in urban transportation. The company’s Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) concept, known as “e METRO,” aims to integrate various modes of transport to enhance the convenience of travel across Osaka. As part of this effort, Osaka Metro was chosen to operate a vertiport outside the Expo site, a key step towards realizing the use of eVTOLs in the city.
Investing in Future Transportation Solutions
In addition to the collaboration agreement, Osaka Metro has invested in SkyDrive, further solidifying the partnership between the two companies. This investment is expected to support the development of the necessary infrastructure and operations required to bring eVTOL technology to Osaka on a larger scale.
SkyDrive’s mission is “taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution,” and its partnership with Osaka Metro represents a significant step towards achieving this goal. By combining their expertise in urban transit and eVTOL technology, the two companies are well-positioned to explore the potential of eVTOLs in transforming transportation in Osaka and beyond.
Next Steps
Under the terms of the agreement, SkyDrive and Osaka Metro will work together to develop detailed business plans and operational strategies. These plans will focus on the practical implementation of eVTOL services in the Osaka area, both during and after Expo 2025. The collaboration between the two companies underscores a shared commitment to advancing urban mobility solutions that could revolutionize the way people move through cities.
For more information about Osaka Metro, visit their official website. To learn more about SkyDrive and its ongoing projects, visit SkyDrive’s website.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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