SkyDrive Inc today announced the signing of a strategic partnership with PT Whitesky Aviation, one of Indonesia’s foremost helicopter operators. The collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of eVTOL aircraft in Indonesia and explore innovative business models that can transform both urban and industrial mobility, according to a press release.
Under the agreement, SkyDrive and Whitesky will jointly explore the deployment of the SkyDrive eVTOL aircraft across several use cases. These include operations based out of Cengkareng Heliport, which is owned by Whitesky and strategically located next to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, and potential applications supporting Indonesia’s vital mining sector. As part of this early-stage commitment, Whitesky has placed a pre-order for up to 30 SKYDRIVE units, demonstrating its intent to lead in the advancement of electric air mobility within Southeast Asia.
“This partnership underscores SkyDrive’s global expansion strategy, following initiatives already underway in the United States, Asia, and the Middle East,” said the press statement. “Whitesky, with its deep expertise in helicopter-based charters, sightseeing, cargo transport, medical evacuation, and mining logistics, provides a strong operational foundation for integrating eVTOL technology into Indonesia’s aviation landscape. The adoption of SkyDrive’s compact, zero-emission aircraft is expected to play a pivotal role in easing traffic congestion in urban centers, while simultaneously reducing environmental impact and enhancing access to remote industrial areas.
The two companies aim to launch eVTOL sightseeing services in central Jakarta by fiscal year 2028. In preparation for scalable operations, Whitesky will lead the development of core infrastructure by constructing a superhub-and-spoke system suited to Indonesia’s complex geographic and industrial terrain.
As part of the long-term roadmap, SkyDrive and Whitesky are also working toward concluding a firm order agreement for the SKYDRIVE eVTOLs.
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SkyDrive and Whitesky Forge Strategic Alliance to Launch eVTOL Operations in Indonesia