SkyDrive Sets Its Sights on the U.S. as Japanese eVTOL Begins FAA Certification Process

Japanese eVTOL developer SkyDrive has taken a major step toward entering the U.S. market by officially beginning the Federal Aviation Administration's certification process for its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

The move could mark a significant milestone for Japan's advanced air mobility industry, as SkyDrive looks to become one of the first Japanese eVTOL manufacturers to earn FAA approval.

Supported by Suzuki, SkyDrive has steadily advanced its aircraft development while expanding beyond its home market. The partnership between the two companies dates back to the early stages of the project, and Suzuki President Toshihiro Suzuki recently attended one of SkyDrive's latest demonstration flights in Japan.

The demonstration took place at Yamaguchi Kirara Expo Memorial Park, where the aircraft completed an autonomous flight without a pilot or passengers. The event simulated a future tourism scenario in which travelers arrive at a vertiport by car before transferring directly to an electric aircraft.

The concept reflects the broader vision behind Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), which aims to seamlessly connect ground transportation with short-range electric flights.

SkyDrive has been pursuing certification in Japan for several years while simultaneously laying the groundwork for international expansion. In 2023, the company established a U.S. subsidiary to support its American operations, and in 2024 the FAA formally accepted its application for type certification through the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).

More recently, representatives from the JCAB and the FAA met in Washington, D.C., as part of ongoing preparations for the 2026 FAA–EASA International Aviation Safety Conference. According to SkyDrive, these discussions give U.S. regulators a better understanding of the aircraft's design, performance, and technology, helping streamline the certification process in both Japan and the United States.

The road to FAA certification has already taken more than two years of preparation, but industry observers say approval in the U.S. would be a major achievement. FAA certification often serves as a gateway for expansion into other global markets, including Europe and additional countries across Asia.

SkyDrive's newest aircraft, the SD-05, builds on the earlier SD-03, which was once recognized as the world's smallest eVTOL. While remaining compact, the SD-05 offers improved performance and is designed for a variety of missions, including sightseeing flights, urban transportation, and corporate shuttle services.

The company believes its compact size and ability to integrate with existing transportation infrastructure could help distinguish the SD-05 in the increasingly competitive advanced air mobility market.