SkyDrive has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Australian helicopter operator Gold Coast Helitours for the planned purchase of up to five SD-05 eVTOL aircraft, with deliveries targeted for two aircraft in 2028 and three in 2029.
The agreement covers plans to introduce eVTOL sightseeing flights on the Gold Coast from 2028. The proposed service would operate from the existing heliport at Marina Mirage in Main Beach, with an approximately 10-minute scenic route covering the Broadwater, Southport and Surfers Paradise.
The partnership is SkyDrive’s first LOI with an Australian operator. Before commercial operations begin, the companies will work toward the required type certification and other regulatory approvals.
Scott Menzies, Chief Pilot and Director, Gold Coast Helitours, said, “For many years, we have provided our guests with breathtaking views of the Gold Coast from the sky. By adding incredibly quiet and environmentally friendly eVTOL aircraft to our fleet, we can offer an unprecedented new era of air travel. This beautiful coastline is the perfect stage for such a launch.”
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The partners also plan to develop a dedicated vertiport and MRO facility at Southport Airfield. The airfield is intended to serve as a maintenance hub as the operators develop a wider eVTOL network connecting central Gold Coast, commercial areas and Gold Coast Airport.
“Gold Coast Helitours is an outstanding partner with a proven history of safe operations and a clear, forward-looking vision for next-generation mobility. We are profoundly honored to announce our first aircraft introduction agreement in Australia alongside an operator with such industry-leading ambition”, highlighted Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder & CEO, SkyDrive Inc.
