Osaka Metro, a leading Japanese subway operator, and eVTOL manufacturer SkyDrive have joined forces to create a groundbreaking integrated mobility solution. The partnership, announced following a successful Series C funding round, aims to integrate electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into the city’s existing transportation network.
This innovative project, dubbed “eMetro,” will combine subways, buses, and eVTOLs to provide seamless connectivity throughout Osaka and its surrounding regions. The collaboration between Osaka Metro and SkyDrive is a significant step towards the future of urban mobility.
By integrating eVTOLs into the existing transportation infrastructure, the project aims to reduce congestion, improve accessibility, and enhance the travel experience for residents and visitors alike. The eVTOLs will offer a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional modes of transportation, especially for shorter trips and during peak hours.
The partnership is particularly timely as Osaka prepares to host the World Expo in 2025. The event will attract millions of visitors from around the globe, placing a strain on the city’s transportation system. By introducing eVTOLs as a new mode of transportation, Osaka can alleviate congestion and provide a more efficient and sustainable way for visitors to get around.
In addition to the eVTOL integration, Osaka Metro is also exploring autonomous tram technology. The company has already deployed a driverless tram, “The New Tram,” to test its capabilities and gather valuable data. The goal is to eventually introduce autonomous trams into the city’s transportation network, further improving efficiency and reducing operating costs.
The partnership between Osaka Metro and SkyDrive is a testament to the growing importance of innovative transportation solutions in urban areas. By combining traditional and cutting-edge technologies, the project has the potential to transform the way people move around cities and set a new standard for sustainable and efficient urban mobility.
SkyDrive, in partnership with Suzuki, has had a remarkable year, solidifying its position in the Indian market and expanding its global reach. Through a collaboration with the Gujarat government, SkyDrive has made significant strides in India, while the launch of eVTOL production at Suzuki’s Iwata City facility marks a major milestone in its manufacturing capabilities.
The company has garnered significant interest, with a record number of pre-orders (263 units) from customers across the region. Outside Asia, the US has emerged as a key market for SkyDrive, with substantial orders for its eVTOL aircraft. Earlier this year, the SD-05, SkyDrive’s flagship eVTOL, was announced to be deployed at the Augusta Regional Airport in Georgia, in partnership with Bravo Air, a private air charter operator.
This collaboration followed a visit by Bravo Air representatives to SkyDrive’s headquarters in Japan to explore a customized version of the company’s business model for air taxi services. Last year, Austin Air, another air charter operator, became SkyDrive’s inaugural US-based customer.
The SD-05, renowned for its compact design and 12-rotor configuration, is well-suited for short-distance urban commutes, offering a convenient and efficient transportation solution. SkyDrive’s partnership with Suzuki has been instrumental in its success, providing access to Suzuki’s extensive manufacturing expertise and global network.
The collaboration has enabled SkyDrive to accelerate the development and production of its eVTOL aircraft, bringing them closer to commercialization. As SkyDrive continues to expand its operations and partnerships, it is poised to become a leading player in the emerging eVTOL market.
