TOYOTA, Japan – Japanese compact aircraft developer SkyDrive and South Korean air mobility company Verty are studying the introduction of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft in South Korea, with commercial operations targeted for 2028, SkyDrive said Wednesday.

The companies will assess flight safety, infrastructure requirements and potential routes, including sightseeing flights and inter-city transportation, SkyDrive said.

Initial routes under consideration include tourist destinations such as Jeju Island and connections between urban centers in the Seoul metropolitan area, including Goyang City.

The partnership will focus on the three-seat SD-05 aircraft, known as SKYDRIVE, and explore business models for commercial services.

EVTOLs can support short-distance transportation, airport transfers and sightseeing services. Guangzhou, China-based EHang is currently the only company operating commercial eVTOL passenger services.

Others including Eve Air Mobility, Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation and Vertical Aerospace are developing eVTOLs and pursuing certification and plans for commercial operations.

Verty is developing an integrated operating system covering flight operations, air traffic management and vertiport infrastructure. It aims to become South Korea’s first eVTOL operator to obtain a certificate, according to the release.

SkyDrive is working with aviation authorities in Japan and the United States to certify its aircraft, with a goal of entering service in 2028.

The agreement follows SkyDrive’s efforts to expand into international markets, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia and Taiwan.