SkyDrive Inc., a developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has revealed plans to enter the US air taxi market and establish its headquarters in South Carolina. The aviation startup made the announcement at the VFS eVTOL Symposium in Mesa, Arizona, where they presented their vision of creating a South Carolina-based air mobility ecosystem for air taxi applications. SkyDrive intends to collaborate with local and state government agencies to develop the ecosystem.

SkyDrive’s eVTOL aircraft, the SD-052, will use major airports in the state as part of the ecosystem, and the company aims to commence commercial operations in 2026. South Carolina was chosen as the home base due to its significance in both commercial and military aviation industries, its aerospace and aviation companies, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin, and its favorable climate and tourism opportunities. The state’s proven aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supply chain, including major supplier Toray Carbon Magic Co, also make it an ideal location for SkyDrive.