SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), one of the leading compact eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturers based in Japan, recently announced at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 a strategic partnership with Airtificial Aerospace & Defense, S.A.U. (“Airtificial”), a Spain-based leader in high-performance aero-structures and avionics.
The two companies have signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement for the manufacturing and supply of key lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) primary and secondary structural parts for SkyDrive’s production aircraft, the “SKYDRIVE” (Model SD-05).
Through this partnership, Airtificial will leverage its deep expertise in composite materials to manufacture essential “Built-to-Print” products.
Key Highlights of the Partnership Include:
- Optimized Aerostructures: Airtificial will manufacture lightweight CFRP primary and secondary structural components and sub-assemblies thereof. \n
<br>\n - Rigorous Quality Standards: All components will be manufactured under aerospace-grade quality standards (AS9100, AS9102, AS9145 and NADCAP) to meet airworthiness certification requirements.\n
<br>\n - Global Supply Chain Resilience: The integration of Spain’s premium aerospace engineering adds a robust European footprint to SkyDrive’s global supply network.
Securing a Certification and Scalable European Manufacturing Footprint
As eVTOL aircraft incorporate high-voltage propulsion systems and advanced airframe architectures, reducing structural weight while ensuring absolute safety is critical to maximizing battery efficiency and aircraft range. High-performance Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) composites are essential to meeting these demanding requirements.
SkyDrive has selected Airtificial to manufacture structural elements of the “SKYDRIVE” (Model SD-05). Airtificial will leverage its specialized aerospace-grade technologies and vertical integration, to deliver complex, flight-critical components that meet the highest standards of structural integrity.
Comments
“This agreement with SkyDrive is much more than a new contract for Airtificial Group; it is another clear validation of our long-term strategy. It reflects our ability to expand internationally by supporting leading customers across Europe, Asia and global markets, diversify into high-value, technology-driven industries, and consistently deliver operational excellence. It also reinforces innovation as a core pillar of our company, allowing us to contribute our expertise to one of the world’s most pioneering eVTOL programs and the transformation of advanced air mobility. We are proud to bring more than 30 years of experience in advanced composites to this exciting project, strengthening our role as a trusted industrial partner for the next generation of aerospace technologies.” said, Guillermo Fernández de Peñaranda, CEO of Airtificial Group.
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Airtificial during the Farnborough International Airshow, a premier stage for global aviation innovation. Airtificial is a proven aerospace supplier with wide composite capabilities. Their flexibility and support during the preliminary design stages were extremely helpful and their rapid tooling capabilities have significantly reduced the supply lead time. Airtificial’s outstanding expertise in advanced manufacturing makes them the ideal partner as we accelerate our path toward international airworthiness certification and our commercial launch in 2028.” said, Arnaud Coville, CTO, SkyDrive.
