Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

A pair of railway companies and Suzuki Motor Corporation have backed a pre-Series D funding round that raised a further ¥8.3 billion ($57 million) for Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer SkyDrive. The company announced the boost to its capital reserves on July 4, confirming that it has now raised a total of ¥43 billion to support work to bring the three-seat SD-05 vehicle to market.
Support from the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and the Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) is significant because SkyDrive is eager to integrate eVTOL air taxi services with rail connections. It has previously presented plans to develop <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-07-04/japanese-train-operator-seeks-integrate-evtol-air-taxi">vertiports at train stations</a> in several Japanese cities.
With the announcement of the Series D funding, SkyDrive released plans for possible eVTOL routes it wants to operate across Oita prefecture in western Japan from 2028 through an existing partnership with JR Kyushu. It also showed a map depicting a route connecting Morioka train station in the Iwate prefecture in northern Japan with a resort hotel called Azuma Farm Koiwai, which is backed by JR East. These projects build on similar plans presented through a previously announced partnership with Osaka Metro Co.
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="eVTOL routes in Japan's Oita prefecture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a85c014a-62ca-4ed8-a156-4b6337eaa723" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/A%20vision%20for%20potential%20eVTOL%20routes%20in%20Oita%20Prefecture..jpg" width="960" height="540" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>SkyDrive and train operator JR Kyushu have released plans for an eVTOL air taxi network in Japan’s Oita prefecture.</figcaption>
</figure>

According to JR Kyushu, eVTOL aircraft will be used for everyday public transportation as well as for tourist flights. “This initiative aligns with key strategies outlined in the JR Kyushu Group Medium-Term Business Plan, which outlines our deep involvement in realizing sustainable mobility services, city building through enhanced collaboration among businesses, and planting seeds for the future,” said Yoji Furumiya, president of Kyushu Railway Company. “Through the introduction of innovations in air mobility, we aim to make the Kyushu region more attractive, and we are committed to working together with the local community to advance this exciting project.”
<h2>Progress with Type Certification</h2>
In February 2025, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau issued the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-02-11/japanese-regulator-confirms-certification-basis-skydrive">G-1 certification basis</a> for the SD-05. SkyDrive said the new funding, which has also come from automotive group Univance, will support hiring more specialists to its program development team as it conducts ground and flight tests needed to prepare for type certification and operational readiness.
According to SkyDrive’s CEO, Tomohiro Fukuzawa, the company has already conducted numerous test flights with the SD-05 prototype, including demonstrations made at the World Expo now being held in the city of Osaka. He said that the program is now backed by 380 pre-orders from prospective customers in seven countries, including Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and the U.S.
SkyDrive’s customer base includes operators based in Georgia and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-11-19/sai-flight-operate-skydrive-evtol-south-carolina">South Carolina</a>. On July 7, President Trump informed the Japanese government that, effective August 1, the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Japan and South Korea.

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