SkyDrive and Tobu Group Explore Kanto eVTOL Services

SkyDrive received investment from Tobu Railway and Tobu Top Tours through a third-party share allotment. The companies plan to explore infrastructure and potential commercial air-mobility services across Kanto, including possible vertiport sites around Nikko.

Key details

• The investment amount and share allocation have not been specified.
• The partners are considering links between potential vertiports and existing transport.
• They plan to examine Tobu Railway’s SAKULaLa biometric platform for passenger identity checks and boarding.
• Tobu Top Tours is expected to contribute to possible travel packages and business models.
• SkyDrive is targeting commercial service in 2028 and pursuing type certification for its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

SkyDrive is targeting a 2028 commercial service launch.

Why it matters

Connecting potential eVTOL services with existing transport could bring rail, tourism, and local travel planning into the same network. The partners are also considering biometric identity checks for boarding, alongside possible travel packages developed with Tobu Top Tours.