SkyDrive Inc. has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Gold Coast Helitours for the potential introduction of its SKYDRIVE SD-05 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Australia.
The agreement marks SkyDrive’s first LOI with an Australian operator and covers the potential purchase of up to five eVTOL aircraft. Under the preliminary agreement, two aircraft are targeted for delivery in 2028, followed by three more in 2029. The companies have also agreed on a proposed sightseeing route for the aircraft.
The partnership comes as the Gold Coast advances its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiatives and explores sustainable and quieter forms of transportation. The region’s established helicopter tourism industry provides a potential platform for introducing eVTOL operations.
Gold Coast Helitours, which has extensive experience in helicopter sightseeing operations, plans to use the aircraft to offer quieter and more environmentally friendly aerial tourism experiences while supporting the development of a new air mobility ecosystem.
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Ahead of the targeted commercial launch in 2028, SkyDrive and Gold Coast Helitours will work toward securing the required type certification from Australian aviation authorities. The companies also plan to develop a dedicated vertiport and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Southport Airfield.
The partners envision Southport Airfield becoming a central maintenance hub for a wider eVTOL network connecting Gold Coast’s city center, major commercial areas and Gold Coast Airport.
Scott Menzies, Chief Pilot and Director of Gold Coast Helitours, said the introduction of eVTOL aircraft would create a new era of aerial travel by combining quieter and more environmentally friendly operations with the Gold Coast’s established tourism offering.
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder and CEO of SkyDrive, described Gold Coast Helitours as a strong partner with a proven safety record and a vision for next-generation mobility.
The agreement represents a key step in SkyDrive’s plans to expand its eVTOL operations internationally, while establishing a potential foundation for Advanced Air Mobility services on Australia’s Gold Coast.
