Japanese aviation firm SkyDrive Inc. marked a milestone in urban air mobility with the first public demonstration of its electric air taxi, the SD‑05, over Tokyo Bay on February 27, 2026.
Flight details
The flight lasted three and a half minutes, covering roughly 150 metres. The aircraft was controlled remotely from a ground station and carried up to three passengers in a cabin powered by lithium‑ion batteries.
Design features
With twelve rotors and an electric propulsion system, the SD‑05 can reach a range of 15–40 km. Its lightweight chassis allows it to land on a variety of sites, from rooftops to small landing pads, offering flexibility over conventional helicopters.
Operational outlook
SkyDrive plans to launch commercial operations in 2028. CEO Tomohiro Fukumatsu expressed optimism that fares could fall to “about the cost of a taxi ride” after 2030, hinting at affordable urban air transport for the future.