SkyDrive, a leading compact eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 a strategic partnership with ITO Corporation (“ITO”), a Japan-based specialist in high-precision automotive and aerospace machining.
The two companies have signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement for the manufacturing and supply of key high-precision machined metal parts for SkyDrive’s production aircraft, the “SKYDRIVE” (Model SD-05).
Through this partnership, ITO will leverage its deep expertise in precision metal machining to manufacture essential “Build-to-Print” products. The scope of supply includes critical structural and mechanical components designed to optimize the performance, weight, and safety of the SD-05.
Key Highlights of the Partnership Include:
- Space-Grade Precision Machining: Driven by its state-of-the-art facilities featuring over 160 advanced machining systems, ITO brings cross-industry precision expertise to manufacture lightweight and exceptionally durable metal components.
- Aerospace-Grade Quality: All components will be manufactured under the top-tier aerospace-grade quality standards (JIS Q 9100 / AS9100) at ITO’s certified facility to ensure full compliance with strict airworthiness certification requirements.
- Strengthening a Resilient Supply Chain: The integration of Japan’s leading precision engineering from Shizuoka adds highly reliable domestic manufacturing power to SkyDrive’s robust global supply network.
Ensuring Structural Reliability through World-Class Japanese Precision Engineering
As eVTOL aircraft require extreme safety standards and precise structural assembly, ensuring the highest quality of every single machined metal joint and component is critical.
SkyDrive has selected ITO to manufacture critical machined elements of the “SKYDRIVE” (Model SD-05). Headquartered in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka — a region globally renowned for manufacturing excellence — ITO has been deeply involved in the aerospace and space sectors since 1996. ITO will leverage its advanced machining technologies, expansive production equipment, and specialized aerospace-grade quality management systems to deliver complex, flight-critical metal parts.
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Hiroaki Ito, President of ITO Corporation, said:
“We have been privileged to participate in the manufacturing of components since SkyDrive’s aircraft for the Osaka-Kansai Expo. Realizing an eVTOL-based society requires creating completely brand-new concepts from scratch — things that do not exist within our current infrastructure. While our core business has traditionally been focused on polishing and elevating existing technologies, our entire team is now filled with immense excitement to challenge the unknown and co-create what does not yet exist alongside SkyDrive. As a strategic partner dedicated to building the future of flight, we will push forward with all our power alongside them.”
Arnaud Coville, CTO, SkyDrive, said:
“ITO Corporation has supported SkyDrive since our full-scale flying prototype, and I am delighted that we are continuing this relationship through certification into production. ITO Corporation’s ability to manage all aspects of the supply chain, combined with rapid development times, allows us to iterate, test and optimise our design at high speed. Being located close to our assembly line in the local community is a strong communication and logistic advantage.”
