SkyDrive Inc., a Japan-based manufacturer of compact eVTOL aircraft, has announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Gold Coast Helitours, a helicopter operator based on Australia’s Gold Coast.
The agreement marks SkyDrive’s first LOI with an Australian operator for the introduction of its aircraft. Under the agreement, the two parties have reached a basic understanding on the purchase of up to five “SKYDRIVE” eVTOL aircraft (Model SD-05), including pricing and a delivery schedule targeting two aircraft in 2028 and three in 2029. The proposed sightseeing route has also been mutually agreed upon.
Background to the Partnership
The Gold Coast is advancing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiatives amid growing global demand for sustainable transportation and quieter mobility solutions. As a major Australian resort destination with an established helicopter sightseeing sector, the region is seeking to integrate new air mobility systems into practical applications.
Gold Coast Helitours, which has a long-standing record of providing safe and reliable helicopter flights, aims to use the eco-friendly and ultra-quiet characteristics of eVTOL aircraft to introduce a new form of air travel and support the development of a new tourism ecosystem in the region.
Proposed Scenic Flight Route
SkyDrive and Gold Coast Helitours plan to launch Australia’s first eVTOL sightseeing service in 2028, operating from the existing heliport at Marina Mirage in Main Beach.
The planned service will take off and land at Marina Mirage, with an approximately 10-minute scenic flight over the Broadwater, Southport and Surfers Paradise.
Infrastructure and Future Network Expansion
Ahead of the targeted commercial launch in 2028, SkyDrive and Gold Coast Helitours will work together to secure the required type certification from regulatory authorities.
As part of the planned operational infrastructure, the partners will also work on developing a dedicated vertiport and a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Southport Airfield.
In the longer term, the partners envision Southport Airfield serving as a central maintenance hub for the development of a broader eVTOL network. The planned network would connect Gold Coast city centre, major commercial districts and Gold Coast Airport.
Management Comments
Scott Menzies, Chief Pilot and Director, Gold Coast Helitours, said the company has provided guests with aerial views of the Gold Coast for many years and sees the introduction of quiet and environmentally friendly eVTOL aircraft as an opportunity to create a new era of air travel. He described the Gold Coast coastline as an ideal setting for the launch.
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder & CEO, SkyDrive Inc., said Gold Coast Helitours is a partner with a proven record of safe operations and a forward-looking approach to next-generation mobility. He added that SkyDrive is honored to announce its first aircraft introduction agreement in Australia with the operator.
