JR Kyushu, the leading railway company based in Fukuoka, has recently entered into a strategic capital and business partnership with SkyDrive, a prominent developer of flying cars and drone-related services headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. This collaboration aims to solidify their efforts towards implementing flying cars in the Kyushu region, enhancing local transport options and tourism experiences.
According to Yoji Komiya, the President and CEO of JR Kyushu, the introduction of flying cars will not only present a novel way to enjoy Kyushu's rich tourism but also potentially revolutionize daily commuting for the local population. He expressed optimism that this initiative could significantly contribute to the region’s development. This partnership aligns with the company’s mid-term management strategy focused on achieving sustainable mobility solutions, enhancing urban development through inter-business cooperation, and investing in future innovation.
The concept of a flying car refers to a next-gen transportation medium made feasible through advancements in electric and autonomous aviation technologies, as well as vertical take-off and landing capabilities. This innovative mode of air travel is known globally as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) or Urban Air Mobility (UAM).
Current Initiatives
In collaboration with SkyDrive, JR Kyushu is currently exploring the societal implementation of flying cars based on a comprehensive collaboration agreement established between the two organizations. The companies are focusing on Oita Prefecture as a key area for their pilot projects. This fiscal year, they are utilizing Oita's "Next-Generation Air Mobility Commercial Service Development Subsidy" to conduct feasibility studies and detailed assessments for the initiative.
Specifically, the ambitious aim is to launch services by around fiscal 2028. The current efforts include investigating potential take-off and landing sites and initiatives aimed at improving societal acceptance of this cutting-edge transportation method.
Company Profiles
JR Kyushu (Kyushu Railway Company)
- - Location: 3-25-21 Hakataekimae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City
- - President: Yoji Komiya
- - Established: April 1987
- - Capital: 16 billion yen
- - Business: Transport services, real estate, hotel operations
- - Website: JR Kyushu
SkyDrive, Inc.
- Headquarters: 2-1-1 Agumo-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
- Development Center: 20-2 Nishinakayama-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
- Test Field: Asuke District, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
- Nagoya Airport Office: 2F, Ken-Ei Nagoya Airport, Toyama-cho, Aichi Prefecture
- Tokyo Office: 3F Hirakawacho Front Building, 1-3-13 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Osaka Office: 8F Osaka Station Front Building, 1-3-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka
- - CEO: Tomohiro Fukuzawa
- - Founded: July 2018
- - Business: Development, manufacturing, sales, and operation services for flying cars (eVTOL), logistics drones, and drone show planning services
- - Website: SkyDrive
This innovative partnership between JR Kyushu and SkyDrive marks a significant step towards advanced air mobility solutions in Japan. By leveraging each other's strengths, both companies aim to pave the way for a new era of sustainable transport within the delightful landscape of Kyushu.