TOYOTA, Japan, August 18 — SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading compact eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, today announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Gold Coast Helitours, a premier helicopter operator based in the Gold Coast, Australia.
This milestone agreement represents SkyDrive’s first LOI with an Australian operator regarding the introduction of its aircraft. The parties have reached a basic agreement on the terms for purchasing up to five “SKYDRIVE” eVTOL aircraft (Model SD-05) which encompasses specific pricing and a delivery schedule (targeting two aircraft in 2028 and three in 2029). Furthermore, the proposed route for sightseeing services has been mutually agreed upon.
Background to Partnership
Driven by a growing global demand for sustainable transit options and exceptionally quiet mobility experiences, the Gold Coast is spearheading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiatives. As a top-tier resort destination in Australia with a well-established helicopter sightseeing sector, the region aims to integrate these innovative air mobility systems into practical use.
Aligning with this vision, Gold Coast Helitours, an operator with a long-standing record of safe and highly reliable helicopter flights, sought to leverage the unique advantages of eco-friendly, ultra-quiet eVTOL aircraft to transform air travel and build a new tourism ecosystem in the region.
Proposed Scenic Flight Route
SkyDrive and Gold Coast Helitours plan to launch Australia’s first eVTOL sightseeing service in 2028, operating out of the existing heliport located at Marina Mirage (*2), Main Beach.
- Takeoff and Landing Point: Marina Mirage, Main Beach
- Flight Overview: An approximate 10-minute scenic loop flying over the Broadwater, Southport, and Surfers Paradise.
Infrastructure and Future Network Expansion
Leading up to the targeted commercial launch in 2028, SkyDrive and Gold Coast Helitours will work closely to secure necessary type certification from regulatory authorities. As a foundational step for operations, the partners will also drive the development of a dedicated vertiport and a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Southport Airfield.
Looking ahead, the long-term vision is to utilize Southport Airfield as a central maintenance hub to build a broader eVTOL aircraft network. This network aims to seamlessly connect the Gold Coast city center, major commercial districts, and the Gold Coast Airport.
Management Comments
Scott Menzies, Chief Pilot and Director, Gold Coast Helitours
“For many years, we have provided our guests with breathtaking views of the Gold Coast from the sky. By adding incredibly quiet and environmentally friendly eVTOL aircraft to our fleet, we can offer an unprecedented new era of air travel. This beautiful coastline is the perfect stage for such a launch.”
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder & CEO, SkyDrive Inc.
“Gold Coast Helitours is an outstanding partner with a proven history of safe operations and a clear, forward-looking vision for next-generation mobility. We are profoundly honored to announce our first aircraft introduction agreement in Australia alongside an operator with such industry-leading ambition.”