Flying car unveiled at the Osaka Expo by SkyDrive
In the heart of Japan's western city, Osaka, SkyDrive Inc., a Japanese startup based in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, made history at the World Exposition 2025. On July 31, 2025, SkyDrive conducted its first demonstration flight of their flying car, the SKYDRIVE Model SD-05, an electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL).
During Thursday's demonstration, the unmanned eVTOL aircraft ascended about 4 meters and flew forward roughly 50 meters, completing an approximately three-minute unmanned flight. The flight was remotely controlled with automatic stabilization technology, marking a significant milestone for SkyDrive after an accident-free test flight campaign.
SkyDrive's CEO, Tomohiro Fukuzawa, expressed satisfaction that safety was confirmed and that the public could witness the technology firsthand. The demonstration flights will continue to be held daily until Aug. 24, showcasing the aircraft's capabilities to visitors.
Initially planned for the Expo's opening day in April, the flight was postponed due to bad weather. The demonstration flights at the Expo Vertiport align with the World Expo theme of advanced smart mobility technologies shaping future society. Alongside SkyDrive, Marubeni Corp. has also demonstrated flying cars at the Expo.
SkyDrive is actively pursuing certification from Japanese and U.S. civil aviation authorities for this first eVTOL product. The successful demonstration flight marks a significant step towards achieving this goal. The flying car's demonstration flight took place at the World Exposition in Osaka, Japan, and visitors were able to see the flying car during the demonstration.
Visitors at the World Exposition in Osaka, Japan, can now marvel at not only SkyDrive's historical flight of the SD-05, but also at the company's latest gadget, a photo exhibit showcasing the technology behind their groundbreaking eVTOL aircraft. The exhibit, located near the Expo Vertiport, offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the world of SkyDrive and technology.
