SkyDrive Inc. a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, and Osaka Metro Co. Ltd. announced plans for the “Osaka Diamond Routes” at the “Osaka Roundtable” (*2). These proposed eVTOL routes connect four key destinations in Osaka: Shin-Osaka/Umeda, Morinomiya, Tennoji/Abeno, and the Osaka Bay Area. Market research has already identified these areas as critical hubs for the city’s future mobility network. SkyDrive and Osaka Metro plan to launch services in the Morinomiya area by around 2028, before working to gradually expand operations through 2030 and beyond.
Background
SkyDrive is developing a lightweight, three-seater eVTOL aircraft that will play a key future role in the coming urban transport revolution. As eVTOL flights become a regular part of city life, SkyDrive seeks to lead this market transformation.
Osaka Metro operates eight subway lines and the New Tram, an automated, driverless tram system. Each day, approximately 2.4 million passengers rely on the Osaka Metro rapid transit network. The company is also advancing an urban Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) initiative called “e METRO,” which integrates multiple modes of transportation—including subways, buses, and taxis—to make Osaka a more convenient and connected city.
In August 2024, SkyDrive and Osaka Metro signed an agreement (*3) to jointly explore the commercialization of eVTOL services in Osaka in the years following the Osaka World Expo 2025. To pursue this goal, Osaka Metro established an “eVTOL Promotion Office” under the direct supervision of its president in October 2024. The two companies have worked together to assess market demand, potential takeoff and landing locations, and other factors affecting the commercial feasibility of an eVTOL business. These efforts culminated in today’s unveiling of the planned “Osaka Diamond Routes”, which form a core part of the initial concept for future eVTOL operations.
Delivering New Value in Airborne Sightseeing and Travel
The proposed areas have been strategically selected to highlight Osaka’s breathtaking cityscapes and offer convenient access to major tourist attractions. SkyDrive’s eVTOL will transform intra-urban journeys into exciting and memorable experiences, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy the city’s stunning aerial views while flying in privacy and comfort.
Next Steps
SkyDrive and Osaka Metro will continue to collaborate closely with the government, Osaka Prefecture and the Osaka City authorities, as well as other relevant organizations and business partners, to bring these commercial services to market. Key areas of focus include finalizing vertiport locations and completing the further studies required to establish flight routes. SkyDrive and Osaka Metro also plan to roll out a phased expansion of these services, first into the surrounding suburbs, and then into the greater Kansai region. Together, the two companies seek to unlock the potential of air mobility and provide passengers with added value through new air transport services, developing an upgraded transport infrastructure that will enhance Osaka’s reputation as a leading city for innovation and tourism.
