Strategic Partnership to Introduce eVTOL in Indonesia; agreement reached for up to 30 pre-orders

SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, today announced the signing of a strategic partnership with PT Whitesky Aviation (“Whitesky”), one of Indonesia’s foremost helicopter operators. The collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of eVTOL aircraft in Indonesia and explore innovative business models that can transform both urban and industrial mobility.

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From left: Whitesky Group CFO Luthano Harry Budyanto, Whitesky Group CEO Denon Prawiraatmadja, SkyDrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, SkyDrive Director of Government Affairs and Indonesia Business Development Taiju Oki, at "HELI EXPO ASIA 2025" held at Cengkareng Heliport in Tangerang, Indonesia.

Under the agreement, SkyDrive and Whitesky will jointly explore the deployment of the “SKYDRIVE” (*1) eVTOL aircraft across several use cases. These include operations based out of Cengkareng Heliport, which is owned by Whitesky and strategically located next to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, and potential applications supporting Indonesia’s vital mining sector. As part of this early-stage commitment, Whitesky has placed a pre-order for up to 30 SKYDRIVE units, demonstrating its intent to lead in the advancement of electric air mobility within Southeast Asia.

Shared Vision for Future Mobility

This partnership underscores SkyDrive’s global expansion strategy, following initiatives already underway in the United States, Asia, and the Middle East. Whitesky, with its deep expertise in helicopter-based charters, sightseeing, cargo transport, medical evacuation, and mining logistics, provides a strong operational foundation for integrating eVTOL technology into Indonesia’s aviation landscape. The adoption of SkyDrive’s compact, zero-emission aircraft is expected to play a pivotal role in easing traffic congestion in urban centers, while simultaneously reducing environmental impact and enhancing access to remote industrial areas.

Infrastructure Development Through Vertiport Creation

Looking ahead, the two companies aim to launch eVTOL sightseeing services in central Jakarta by fiscal year 2028. In preparation for scalable operations, Whitesky will lead the development of core infrastructure by constructing a superhub-and-spoke system suited to Indonesia’s complex geographic and industrial terrain. This infrastructure initiative will enable the safe, efficient, and scalable operation of eVTOL aircraft nationwide, laying the groundwork for the future of next-generation air mobility in the country.

Path Toward Full Commercialization

As part of the long-term roadmap, SkyDrive and Whitesky are also working toward concluding a firm order agreement for the SKYDRIVE aircraft. This will represent a significant milestone in their strategic collaboration and pave the way for commercial eVTOL operations in both urban and remote settings across Indonesia.

Comments

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO, SkyDrive Inc.

We are pleased to partner with Whitesky, one of Indonesia’s leading helicopter operators. Urban areas, particularly Jakarta, face severe traffic congestion, and eVTOLs are highly anticipated as a solution. With its strong safety record, Whitesky is the only company authorized to operate helicopter taxis at the heliport next to Soekarno–Hatta International Airport and has already taken steps to address these challenges through its helicopter taxi services. We are confident that Whitesky is the ideal partner for us.

In the mining sector, eVTOLs hold significant potential, offering a sustainable alternative to both helicopters and ground vehicles, which is expected to help reduce CO₂ emissions. Looking ahead, we will continue working together to explore and shape a viable business model, with the goal of building a sustainable and long-term business foundation in Indonesia.

Ari Nurwanda, CCO, PT Whitesky Aviation

We believe the future of electric air mobility lies in its seamless integration across both urban and industrial landscapes. Our strategic alliance with SkyDrive is a pivotal step toward realizing that vision in Indonesia. By combining our operational expertise with SkyDrive’s cutting-edge eVTOL technology, we’re not just introducing a new mode of transport—we’re shaping a new era of connectivity across the archipelago. From easing urban congestion to enabling sustainable logistics in remote sectors, this partnership reflects our commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and inclusive advancement in aviation.

About PT Whitesky Aviation

Whitesky Aviation is a premier Indonesian aviation company that has been redefining air mobility across the archipelago since 2010. Backed by an official Aircraft Operator Certificate (AOC 135-016), Whitesky operates a robust fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft specializing in non-scheduled charter services tailored to corporate, private, medical, and tourism needs. With a deep commitment to safety, precision, and customer satisfaction, the company has become a trusted partner for clients seeking efficient access to remote areas, high-priority logistics, or premium flight experiences. From supporting strategic infrastructure projects to executing emergency evacuations and luxury leisure trips, Whitesky blends operational excellence with local expertise to deliver high-impact, reliable solutions. As Indonesia’s demand for vertical and regional air connectivity continues to rise, Whitesky Aviation stands at the forefront—driven by innovation, empowered by skilled professionals, and inspired by the mission to connect people, opportunities, and regions that conventional transportation often leaves behind.　

For more information, please visit: https://www.whitesky.co.id/

About SkyDrive Inc.

SkyDrive is an eVTOL company aiming “to take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution”. The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. Under its future vision for urban transportation, flying in eVTOLs will become a regular part of city life. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan. As of 2025, SkyDrive is working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to acquire certification for “SKYDRIVE”, the company’s first eVTOL product. SkyDrive showcased the first public flight of the SKYDRIVE at Expo 2025 in Osaka in April 2025. SkyDrive began production of “SKYDRIVE” in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive's official production partner. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur.

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

Editor’s Note:

(*1) “SKYDRIVE” is a product name of SkyDrive Model SD-05.

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