Japan-based aircraft developer SkyDrive has signed a memorandum of understanding with Goyang Special City and South Korean systems developer Verty to prepare for eVTOL flight trials and potential commercial services in Goyang. The agreement, signed at DRONE-UAM EXPO 2026 at KINTEX on 4 November, brings the city into the companies’ existing South Korean cooperation. The partners are targeting readiness for commercial operations by 2028, in line with South Korea’s national goal, but have not set trial dates or routes.
The three parties plan to work on operational infrastructure, demonstration and trial flights, joint projects and wider eVTOL industry development. SkyDrive is developing the aircraft; Verty is working on integrated flight operations, air traffic management and vertiport systems; and Goyang is the municipal partner and proposed demonstration hub.
Goyang, adjacent to Gimpo International Airport, is a metropolitan demonstration site for South Korea’s K-UAM Grand Challenge. SkyDrive and Verty displayed a 20%-scale model of the SD-05 at the expo, which runs through 6 November. SkyDrive is also progressing towards commercial airworthiness certification in Japan.
The MOU establishes cooperation and preparation, not a service launch or binding deployment commitment. It does not specify funding, regulatory approvals or a commercial schedule.