SkyDrive, Saha Pathana Inter-Holding PCL. and Saha Tokyu Corporation Sign MOU To Explore New Business Utilizing “eVTOL” in Thailand

SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft (*1) manufacturer based in Japan, Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Public Company Limited (“SPI”) and Saha Tokyu Corporation Company Limited (“Saha Tokyu”) today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to jointly explore new business utilizing SkyDrive’s eVTOL “SKYDRIVE” (*2) in Thailand.

SPI is a member of the Saha Group, a leading conglomerate in Thailand. The company develops industrial estates, invests in new businesses in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province, and other districts, and operates private airfields for small planes. Saha Tokyu is a joint venture company between Tokyu Group in Japan and the Saha Group, and its main focus is on the real estate business, mainly serviced apartments in Si Racha District.

In Thailand, economic growth is being promoted by the expansion of Japanese companies into industrial estates. However, traffic congestion and environmental pollution from automobiles have become serious social issues. In response, the use of diverse transportation methods is expected to help alleviate these problems.

Based on this agreement, SkyDrive, SPI and Saha Tokyu will study use cases using “SKYDRIVE” in Sri Racha, Pattaya and Phuket in Thailand. The three companies will also explore further business opportunities, such as re-importing these use cases to Japan and investigating the air taxi business in Tokyu Group’s urban development.

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive
We are honored to partner with SPI and Saha Tokyu. While Thailand is experiencing remarkable economic growth, traffic congestion and environmental pollution caused by automobiles are serious social problems. We believe that our compact and zero-emission eVTOL aircraft “SKYDRIVE” will contribute to solving the issues. We look forward to working with both companies to explore new business opportunities in Thailand.

Vichai Kulsomphob, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board
SPI, as an industrial park developer, emphasizes the development of technology to reduce pollution and aim for long-term sustainability. In the past, Japanese companies expanded their production bases in various industrial estates across Thailand, which has led to growth in the transportation sector and significant fuel consumption. At the same time, it has caused environmental concerns in transportation and logistics. Therefore, SPI is exploring alternative travel modes that will be safer, more convenient, and faster while significantly reducing the environmental footprint. We see SkyDrive’s zero-emission eVTOL aircraft’s potential to be able to achieve environmental reduction and expansion in Thailand. This has led to a collaboration between Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Public Company Limited (SPI), Saha Tokyu Corporation Limited (STK), and SkyDrive Inc.

Shinji Suyama, Managing Director of Saha Tokyu
We, Saha Tokyu Corporation marks our 10th anniversary in this year, and we have been working to create a living environment in Sriracha, Thailand, where Japanese companies, mainly in the manufacturing industry, are expanding, by combining the knowledge and know-how of both Saha Group and Tokyu Group. We are honored to be able to start discussions with Saha Group and SkyDrive, a leading Japanese company developing eVTOL aircraft, a new form of mobility that is attracting global attention, to consider business in Thailand. We believe that we can contribute to the local community and economy of Thailand by supporting the expansion of cutting-edge companies such as SkyDrive into Thailand and providing real estate services to those who are involved in new industries.

About Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Public Company Limited
Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Public Company Limited (SPI) was firstly incorporated on 5 April 1972. SPI is the main holding company of the Saha Group, Thailand’s leading conglomerate. The group manufactures and distributes a wide range of consumer products with many leading brands across multiple market segments. These include Mama, Wacoal, Pao, Essence, Mistine, and many more. Saha Group has built a strong business network, encompassing end-to-end supply chains, from raw materials through to manufacturing and distribution.

SPI is also the operator of industrial parks belonging to the group, providing utilities and services for companies operating in its industrial parks.

For more information, please visit: https://www.spi.co.th/en/home

About Saha Tokyu Corporation Company Limited
Saha Tokyu Corporation is a joint venture company between Tokyu Group in Japan and the leading consumer goods manufacturing conglomerate in Thailand, the Saha Group and was established on 1 October 2014. The company is presently engaged in the development of residential housing, serviced apartment and focused on delivering high quality, best housing property and service for Japanese and families in Sriracha, Chonburi. Saha Tokyu is headquartered in Sriracha, Chonburi. Shinji Suyama is the Managing Director of the company.

For more information, please visit: https://sahatokyu.com/?lang=en

About SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive was formally established in July 2018 after testing flying car concepts and prototypes from 2014 with the mission of “taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution.” Its vision is to create a future where everyone has access to eVTOLs as their daily transportation in Japan and across the world. The company succeeded in the first crewed eVTOL flight test in Japan in 2019 and its eVTOL “SKYDRIVE” is in the process of acquiring its Japan Civil Aviation Bureau certification. SkyDrive has been selected as a company to participate in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. SkyDrive began production of “SKYDRIVE” in March 2024 at the plant owned by official production partner Suzuki Motor Company. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture. Tomohiro Fukuzawa is the CEO of the company.

For more information, please visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/

Editor’s Note:

(*1) “eVTOL” is an abbreviation for electric vertical takeoff and landing. eVTOL aircraft are characterized by electrification, a fully autonomous autopilot, and vertical takeoff and landing. It is also called Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) or Urban Air Mobility (UAM).

(*2) “SKYDRIVE” is a product name of SkyDrive Model SD-05. Model SD-05 is in the process of acquiring its Japan Civil Aviation Bureau certification.