Writer

Charlotte Bailey

AeroGulf Services signalled its intention to purchase up to 20 of SkyDrive <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/video/japan-world-expo-visitors-are-getting-their-first-glimpse-new-evtol-aircraft">SD-05 eVTOLs</a>. The agreement announced by the Japanese manufacturer on January 14 with the Dubai-based operator calls for the first 10 deliveries to be made in 2028 with the remaining 10 units to follow in 2029.
The deal builds on a memorandum of understanding that AeroGulf signed in February 2025 that envisaged orders for up to 50 of the three-seat aircraft. The operator, which operates helicopters for services such as cargo, aerial filming and medical missions, plans to operate tourist flights to and from Dubai's Palm Jumeirah development.
Rival U.S. eVTOL aircraft developers <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-11-15/evtol-rivals-race-prove-air-taxi-use-case-uae">Joby and Archer</a> also have their sights set on the UAE. In November, Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Joby partner Skyports Infrastructure announced an initial vertiport network site at the Palm Jumeirah’s “Atlantis the Royal” resort. Despite Joby announcing its RTA agreement to be exclusive, Archer also intends to launch services from the Palm.
Underscoring the company’s interest in the Middle East, SkyDrive global intelligence officer Keisuke Yasukochi also participated in an advanced air mobility panel at this week’s UMEX 2026 conference in Abu Dhabi. The event was mainly focused on uncrewed eVTOL applications.
SkyDrive has previously announced provisional sales agreements with operators in <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2025-08-21/indonesian-helicopter-group-plans-evtol-air-taxi-services">Indonesia</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-11-19/sai-flight-operate-skydrive-evtol-south-carolina">the U.S.</a>&nbsp;However, the company said that the agreement with AeroGulf represents its&nbsp;“first detailed exploration of commercial parameters with a customer outside Japan.”
&nbsp;

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Dubai's AeroGulf Plans to Buy Up to 20 SkyDrive eVTOL Aircraft

Dubai helicopter charter operator outlines provisional framework for eVTOL aircraft acquisition

AeroGulf Services outlined its intent to purchase up to 20 SkyDrive SD-05 eVTOLs, paving the way for two tranches to be delivered in 2028 and 2029 respectively.

AeroGulf Plans to Buy Up to 20 SkyDrive eVTOL Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Proteus technology demonstrator could augment existing crewed military platforms in anti-submarine missions 

Leonardo Flies Proteus Naval Autonomous Helicopter

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Concludes that mature markets rely on buying preowned aircraft

Asia-Pacific Helo Operators Focus on Fleet Harmonization

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

New appointment to take effect April 1

Matthieu Louvot Tapped To Helm Airbus Helicopters

Company plans to use the new helicopter for passenger transportation

Linfox Places First Airbus H160 Order in Australia

Jointly-developed upgraded model to showcase civilian and defense capabilities 

Subaru Bell 412EPX Embarks on Middle Eastern Demo Tour

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

In this article

SkyDrive

More In Rotorcraft

Leonardo Flies Proteus Naval Autonomous Helicopter

Proteus technology demonstrator could augment existing crewed military platforms in anti-submarine missions

Asia-Pacific Helo Operators Focus on Fleet Harmonization

Concludes that mature markets rely on buying preowned aircraft

Matthieu Louvot Tapped To Helm Airbus Helicopters

New appointment to take effect April 1

Linfox Places First Airbus H160 Order in Australia

Company plans to use the new helicopter for passenger transportation

Subaru Bell 412EPX Embarks on Middle Eastern Demo Tour

Jointly-developed upgraded model to showcase civilian and defense capabilities

Thales/StandardAero StableLight Autopilot Targets AStar

First 4-axis system designed for light helicopters

ASG Helicopter Flying First AW189 in Central Asia

Azerbaijan-based operator using the aircraft for offshore services

Rotortrade To Build Helipark Hub in Riyadh

First permanent presence in Saudi Arabia to expand helicopter distributor’s global reach

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN