Photo Credit: SkyDrive Inc.
Australian rotorcraft operator Gold Coast Helitours has entered into an agreement with Japanese aerospace manufacturer SkyDrive to incorporate its three-seat SD-05 electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft into its existing charter fleet. Under the initial letter of intent, the Queensland-based flight company plans to acquire five electric aircraft, with the first two deliveries anticipated by the end of 2028 following type certification in Japan and subsequent validation by Australian civil aviation authorities.
The remaining three units are scheduled for delivery in 2029. Building on three decades of charter, corporate transit, and aerial survey experience with traditional rotorcraft such as the Airbus H125 and Robinson R44, this acquisition marks a strategic push into low-emission aerial mobility.
Initial operational plans focus on offering scenic aerial tours departing from a heliport located at the oceanfront Marina Mirage resort, which is currently undergoing a major redevelopment project. Over the longer term, Gold Coast Helitours intends to expand its service network to connect key regional destinations, providing direct links between the city center and Gold Coast Airport. Additionally, the operator aims to establish a dedicated maintenance facility at Southport Airfield to support ongoing fleet upkeep.
This commercial arrangement aligns with SkyDrive’s broader international expansion goals, joining other prospective customer commitments across markets in Taiwan, India, and the United States.
