SkyDrive Inc., a leading compact eVTOL aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with three Thai companies: Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited (Bangkok Airways), Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Public Company Limited (SPI) and Saha Tokyu Corporation Company Limited (Saha Tokyu).
Under the partnership, the four companies have developed a comprehensive eVTOL roadmap covering the exploration of routes in Sri Racha, Bangkok and Koh Samui, as well as the development of ticket sales and maintenance networks.
Background to the Agreement
The latest agreement follows an initial MOU signed in June 2024 by SPI, Saha Tokyu and SkyDrive to support studies into the feasibility of introducing SKYDRIVE aircraft in Thailand. Bangkok Airways, a major Thai airline, is now joining the three original signatories to explore more concrete commercial possibilities for SkyDrive’s eVTOL aircraft.
Bangkok Airways, which provides services within Thailand and between Thailand and neighbouring nations, is known for its “Asia’s Boutique Airline” concept. As a provider of customer-focused and personalised air travel, Bangkok Airways is seeking to integrate eVTOL aircraft into its route network.
The airline operates routes to major tourist destinations in Thailand, including Trat, Sukhothai, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. Its ownership and operation of airports and hotels, including assets in Koh Samui, provides a position to support tourism development and apply its experience in the tourism industry to the future development of SkyDrive’s eVTOL aircraft.
The addition of Bangkok Airways to SkyDrive’s existing partnership with the Saha Group and Tokyu Group represents another step toward establishing next-generation urban mobility infrastructure and an eVTOL model that integrates flights into the wider urban environment.
The companies stated that success in Thailand could provide a springboard for the rollout of eVTOL networks in Japan and other countries such as Australia and Vietnam. The integration of next-generation urban air mobility into urban development programmes could support advanced transportation networks adaptable to major cities around the world.
Collaboration on Strategies and Support for Commercialising eVTOL in Thailand
The four parties have agreed to work in stages to develop systems supporting the development of eVTOL businesses in Thailand. These systems will make use of existing infrastructure and cooperation with other local partners, laying the groundwork for the sale of eVTOL aircraft and their future commercial operation.
The companies will initially work on aircraft exhibitions and demonstrations, providing potential customers with opportunities to learn more about eVTOL technology and move toward purchase commitments.
They will also determine the support systems required for the smooth sale, storage and maintenance of aircraft, as well as the training of pilots and other personnel as fleet sizes and flight frequencies increase.
The four parties will also investigate, over the longer term, how a wider range of business functions could be relocated into local markets in response to demand trends and market maturity.
