Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese flying vehicle manufacturer SkyDrive has announced that Dubai-based helicopter charter company AeroGulf Services has signed a Letter of Intent for the purchase of up to 50 “SKYDRIVE” vehicles.

Through the deal, AeroGulf hopes to focus on air mobility business opportunities at Dubai’s iconic tourist destination Palm Jumeirah.

SkyDrive CEO FUKUZAWA Tomohiro commented: “We have been working on market expansion in the US and Asia and this collaboration with AeroGulf Services marks our first entry into the Middle Eastern market, a major milestone in bringing our eVTOL business vision to life. Dubai is at the forefront of preparing for the operation of eVTOL and it attracts not only residents, but also tourists and business travelers from around the world.”

Fahad Mohammad Mir Hashem Khoory, CEO of AeroGulf, says the project will promote sustainable transportation in Dubai.

“Our commitment to sustainability and innovation is in perfect harmony with Dubai’s vision for a greener future,” he said. “Through this collaboration, AeroGulf Services and SkyDrive will establish a new benchmark for eco-friendly air travel in the region.”

AeroGulf Services was Dubai’s first commercial helicopter operator and provides a variety of aviation services, including helicopter charters, oil field transportation, filming, and emergency medical services.

The company is aiming to explore opportunities in the tourism sector using environmentally friendly eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft that emit no CO2. The “SKYDRIVE” vehicle seats three people and is seen as well-suited for the planned business in Dubai.

The two companies will work together to explore potential flight routes and practical use cases for commercial eVTOL operations, with a focus on providing sightseeing services and tourist flights.

SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan and began production of “SKYDRIVE” in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive’s official production partner.