SkyDrive raises funding from Tobu Group for a Kanto eVTOL network, targeting 2028 launch

Japanese eVTOL developer SkyDrive has raised funding from Tobu Railway and Tobu Top Tours through a third-party share allotment, eVTOL Insights reports. The partners plan to work together on infrastructure and potential commercial air mobility services in the Kanto region evtolinsights.comeVTOL Insightsevtolinsights.comOpen source ↗. The investment makes Tobu Group SkyDrive's fifth railway partner in Japan.

The companies aim to combine SkyDrive's aircraft development and operational work with Tobu's transport network, tourism assets and regional business connections to support the introduction of eVTOL services.

Vertiports and passenger processing

One focus is ground infrastructure, including potential vertiport locations. Tobu Railway plans to draw on its network and tourism facilities, particularly around the Nikko area, to identify sites that could connect air services with existing rail and other transport links.

The partners will also examine passenger processing with Tobu Railway's SAKULaLa biometric authentication platform, which is intended to support identity verification and boarding procedures. Tobu Top Tours will help develop potential travel packages and business models, drawing on its destination management activities and relationships with local authorities evtolinsights.comeVTOL Insightsevtolinsights.comOpen source ↗.

Certification and 2028 target

SkyDrive is targeting the launch of commercial services in 2028. The announcement did not specify initial routes, service frequency, passenger capacity or vertiport locations.

The company continues work towards type certification for its compact electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. It conducted uncrewed demonstration flights at Expo 2025 Osaka and says it is progressing certification activities alongside commercialisation projects with partners and municipalities in 10 countries.

In Japan, SkyDrive has previously worked with Kintetsu Group, Osaka Metro, East Japan Railway Company and Kyushu Railway Company on feasibility studies and demonstration activities. The Tobu partnership extends that approach into the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo and surrounding areas evtolinsights.comeVTOL Insightsevtolinsights.comOpen source ↗.