TOYOTA, Japan. SkyDrive Inc., a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Public Company Limited (SPI) and Saha Tokyu Corporation Company Limited (Saha Tokyu) on June 28 announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly explore new business utilising SkyDrive’s eVTOL “SKYDRIVE” in Thailand.
SPI is a member of the Saha Group, a leading conglomerate in Thailand. The company develops industrial estates, invests in new businesses in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province, and other districts, and operates private airfields for small planes. Saha Tokyu is a joint venture company between Tokyu Group in Japan and the Saha Group, and its main focus is on the real estate business, mainly serviced apartments in Si Racha District.
In Thailand, economic growth is being promoted by the expansion of Japanese companies into industrial estates. However, traffic congestion and environmental pollution from automobiles have become serious social issues. In response, the use of diverse transportation methods is expected to help alleviate these problems.
Based on this agreement, SkyDrive, SPI and Saha Tokyu will study use cases using “SKYDRIVE” in Sri Racha, Pattaya and Phuket in Thailand. The three companies will also explore further business opportunities, such as re-importing these use cases to Japan and investigating the air taxi business in Tokyu Group’s urban development.
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive said, “We are honoured to partner with SPI and Saha Tokyu. While Thailand is experiencing remarkable economic growth, traffic congestion and environmental pollution caused by automobiles are serious social problems. We believe that our compact and zero-emission eVTOL aircraft “SKYDRIVE” will contribute to solving the issues. We look forward to working with both companies to explore new business opportunities in Thailand.”
Vichai Kulsomphob, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board commented, “SPI, as an industrial park developer, emphasises the development of technology to reduce pollution and aim for long-term sustainability. In the past, Japanese companies expanded their production bases in various industrial estates across Thailand, which has led to growth in the transportation sector and significant fuel consumption. At the same time, it has caused environmental concerns in transportation and logistics.” Adding, “Therefore, SPI is exploring alternative travel modes that will be safer, more convenient, and faster while significantly reducing the environmental footprint. We see SkyDrive’s zero-emission eVTOL aircraft’s potential to be able to achieve environmental reduction and expansion in Thailand. This has led to a collaboration between Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Public Company Limited (SPI), Saha Tokyu Corporation Limited (STK), and SkyDrive Inc.”
Shinji Suyama, Managing Director of Saha Tokyu stated, “We, Saha Tokyu Corporation marks our 10th anniversary in this year, and we have been working to create a living environment in Sriracha, Thailand, where Japanese companies, mainly in the manufacturing industry, are expanding, by combining the knowledge and know-how of both Saha Group and Tokyu Group. We are honoured to be able to start discussions with Saha Group and SkyDrive, a leading Japanese company developing eVTOL aircraft, a new form of mobility that is attracting global attention, to consider business in Thailand.”
“We believe that we can contribute to the local community and economy of Thailand by supporting the expansion of cutting-edge companies such as SkyDrive into Thailand and providing real estate services to those who are involved in new industries,” Shinji Suyama added.
