TOYOTA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 17, 2025--
SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, is pleased to announce that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), a government organization and affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport that oversees and manages the overall transportation system in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (UAE), signed several strategic cooperation agreements with leading local and international, including SkyDrive, on day two of DRIFTx 2025, held as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week organized by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council. ITC is going to introduce the eVTOL "SKYDRIVE (SkyDrive type SD-05 model) (*2)” as a means of transportation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
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[Background and Objectives]
Abu Dhabi is emerging as a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), strategically positioning eVTOL technology at the heart of its future transportation ecosystem. Under the leadership of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), the Emirate has launched a comprehensive initiative encompassing regulatory framework development, vertiport and charging infrastructure planning, and extensive feasibility studies—positioning Abu Dhabi to become one of the world's first cities to launch commercial eVTOL operations.
This partnership between SkyDrive and ITC represents a pivotal step toward realizing this vision. The collaboration will focus on three key pillars: establishing a comprehensive eVTOL ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, developing critical infrastructure including vertiports and charging stations, and conducting thorough commercialization feasibility studies for the "SKYDRIVE (SD-05)" aircraft. Together, SkyDrive and ITC aim to transform urban mobility in the UAE capital, offering residents and visitors an innovative, sustainable, and efficient transportation solution that seamlessly integrates air mobility into Abu Dhabi's smart city infrastructure.
"We are deeply honored to partner with the Integrated Transport Centre and the Abu Dhabi government, who are demonstrating exceptional leadership in advancing both the infrastructure and regulatory frameworks necessary for eVTOL commercialization," says Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO and Founder of SkyDrive. "Abu Dhabi's proactive approach and commitment to innovation make it an ideal partner as we work toward our vision of making the sky a part of everyday transportation. Through this collaboration with ITC, we look forward to delivering a transformative mobility experience that offers residents, business travelers, and tourists a faster, cleaner, and more sustainable way to navigate the Emirate."
“These agreements reflect Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building a smart, integrated transport system and adopting the latest autonomous-driving and advanced air mobility technologies, in support of our vision for more efficient and better-connected cities”, says Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General at ITC. “As the regulatory authority for the transport sector, we are forging strategic local and international partnerships that will accelerate the shift towards future mobility solutions.”
About Integrated Transportation Centre
The Integration Transport Centre (ITC) is a government entity established in 2016, responsible for the planning, design, and operation of all integrated transport systems in Abu Dhabi including land, marine, and air transport. The ITC is committed to developing sustainable, efficient, and innovative transport solutions that enhance the quality of life and support the Emirate’s economic growth.
For more information, please visit: https://admobility.gov.ae/en/home
About SkyDrive Inc.
SkyDrive is a Japanese eVTOL company aiming “to take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution”. The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. Under its future vision for urban transportation, flying in eVTOLs will become a regular part of city life. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan. The company successfully showcased the eVTOL "SKYDRIVE", the company’s first eVTOL product, with demonstration flights spanning one month at the Osaka Expo, witnessed by thousands of visitors. SkyDrive began production of “SKYDRIVE” in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive's official production partner. SkyDrive has been working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to obtain certification for “SKYDRIVE”, and aims to launch the service in 2028. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur.
For more information, please visit: https://en.skydrive2020.com/
Editor’s Note:
(*1) “eVTOL” is an abbreviation for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing. As the name suggests, eVTOL aircraft can take off and land without a runway. eVTOLs are powered by electricity and incorporate advanced, automatic, flight control technology.
Right: Dr.Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) / Center; His Excellency, Dr. Saif Al Nasri, Undersecretary of the Department of Municipalities and Transport/Left: Takehiko Sato, Chief Strategy Officer, SkyDrive. The signing ceremony was held at "DRIFTx," an automotive and mobility event held in Abu Dhabi on November 11, 2025.
ROME (AP) — Olympic swimming champion Gregorio Paltrinieri and fellow Summer athletes started the torch relay for the Milan Cortina Winter Games on Saturday — marking exactly two months before the Feb. 6 opening ceremony.
Paltrinieri carried the sleek torch around the track of the statue-lined Stadio dei Marmi at the Foro Italico to begin a trek covering 12,000 kilometers (nearly 7,500 miles) that will wind its way through all 110 Italian provinces before reaching Milan’s San Siro Stadium for the opening ceremony.
“It’s a pleasure to be part of the Olympic movement even if it’s Winter Olympics,” Paltrinieri said.
In all, there will be 10,001 torch bearers.
At the end of the opening day, police said they stopped two groups of pro-Palestinian activists from coming into contact with the relay route.
Giancarlo Peris, the final torch bearer from the 1960 Olympics in Rome, carried the Olympic flame in a lantern to get the proceedings going. The 84-year-old Peris was 18 when he lit the cauldron at the Stadio Olimpico — which is next to the Stadio dei Marmi — more than 65 years ago.
“I didn't think I would be here today,” Peris said with a chuckle.
Paltrinieri won gold in the 1,500 meters at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games and has five Olympic medals in all. He and girlfriend Rossella Fiamingo, a fencer, carried Italy's flag at the closing ceremony for last year's Paris Games.
“I used to ski when I was a kid but then I stopped because it’s a little bit dangerous for me,” Paltrinieri said. “Skiing is my favorite (Winter Olympic sport). ... Alberto Tomba was one of my biggest idols.”
Paltrinieri handed off to retired fencer Elisa Di Francisca, who won two golds at the 2012 London Games.
Next was Gianmarco Tamberi, the 2020 Olympic high jump champion.
Also carrying the torch around Rome on Saturday were tennis player Matteo Berrettini, retired NBA player Andrea Bargnani and former motorcycle racer Max Biaggi.
Actor Ricky Tognazzi carried the torch while riding a white Vespa in a scene reminiscent of the 1953 film “Roman Holiday” featuring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
The torch relay, which includes 60 city celebrations, will be in Naples for Christmas and in Bari for New Year’s Eve. It will reach 2006 Olympics host Turin on Jan 11.
The torch will arrive in Verona on Jan. 18 and pass through Cortina d’Ampezzo on Jan. 26 — on the 70th anniversary of the opening ceremony of the 1956 Winter Olympics held at the resort in the Dolomites.
There will also be a cauldron lit in Cortina on the night of the opening ceremony.
Local organizing committee president Giovanni Malagò noted the torch relay will pass by all of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites, of which Italy has more than any other country with 61.
“It's like a giant two-month advertisement,” Malagò said.
These Games will be held across a large swath of northern Italy and the ceremony will be observed in four different locations, including Livigno (where snowboarding and freestyle skiing will be contested) and Predazzo (ski jumping).
Skating sports will be in Milan; men’s Alpine skiing and ski mountaineering in Bormio; and women’s Alpine skiing, sliding sports and curling in Cortina.
The next stops on the torch relay are Viterbo on Sunday and Terni on Monday.
AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
Former Italian track athlete Giancarlo Peris, 84, left, who was the final bearer of the Olympic torch for the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, holds a lantern with the Olympic flame ahead of the start of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics torch ceremony in Rome as it begins its journey through Italy, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. The journey will conclude in Milan in February 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Italian former foil fencer and Olympic and world champion Elisa Di Francisca carries the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics torch in Rome as it begins its journey through Italy, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, a journey that will conclude in Milan in February 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Italian swimmer Gregorio Paltrinieri lights the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics torch in Rome as it begins its journey through Italy, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, a journey that will conclude in Milan in February 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Italian high jumper and Olympic gold medalist Gianmarco Tamberi, left, receives the flame of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics torch from Italian former foil fencer and Olympic and world champion Elisa Di Francisca in Rome as it begins its journey through Italy, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, a journey that will conclude in Milan in February 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Italian high jumper and Olympic gold medalist Gianmarco Tamberi carries the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics torch in Rome as it begins its journey through Italy, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, a journey that will conclude in Milan in February 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Italian swimmer Gregorio Paltrinieri carries the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics torch in Rome as it begins its journey through Italy, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, a journey that will conclude in Milan in February 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Italian swimmer Gregorio Paltrinieri, left, passes the flame of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics torch to Italian former foil fencer and Olympic and world champion Elisa Di Francisca in Rome as it begins its journey through Italy, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, a journey that will conclude in Milan in February 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Italian swimmer Gregorio Paltrinieri lights the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics torch in Rome as it begins its journey through Italy, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, a journey that will conclude in Milan in February 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Italian swimmer Gregorio Paltrinieri carries the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics torch in Rome as it begins its journey through Italy, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, a journey that will conclude in Milan in February 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Italian swimmer Gregorio Paltrinieri carries the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics torch in Rome as it begins its journey through Italy, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, a journey that will conclude in Milan in February 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
