SkyDrive Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with Japan-based Sanyoh Manufacturing Co. for the production and supply of high-precision sheet metal components for its production eVTOL aircraft, the "SKYDRIVE" (Model SD-05). The partnership was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 following the signing of a Sales and Purchase Agreement between the two companies.
Under the agreement, Sanyoh will manufacture and supply critical "Built-to-Print" sheet metal components designed to support the structural performance, weight optimization, and safety requirements of the SD-05 aircraft.
Founded in 1952, Sanyoh has more than 70 years of experience in precision sheet metal fabrication for the aerospace and defence sectors. The company will utilize its expertise in advanced forming, bending, and assembly processes to manufacture lightweight structural and mechanical components for SkyDrive's production aircraft.
As part of the partnership, Sanyoh will leverage its aerospace quality certifications, including JIS Q 9100 (AS9100), along with multiple Nadcap-certified special processes. These capabilities include heat treating, chemical processing, non-destructive testing (NDT), and surface enhancement, supporting compliance with international airworthiness requirements.
The collaboration also provides SkyDrive with a vertically integrated domestic manufacturing source through Sanyoh's production facilities in Tochigi, strengthening the company's supply chain for aircraft manufacturing.
For the production of flight-critical components, Sanyoh will employ its end-to-end in-house manufacturing process, which covers precision sheet metal forming, heat treatment, surface chemical treatments, aerospace painting, and non-destructive testing. The integrated manufacturing approach is intended to support the quality and structural reliability required for eVTOL aircraft.
“It is a great honor that SkyDrive has chosen Sanyoh Manufacturing Co. as one of the SD-05 suppliers. Since its founding, Sanyoh Manufacturing Co. has been engaged for over 70 years in the production of parts, surface treatment/painting, and structural assembly for large commercial airplanes as well as aircraft for Japan’s Self-Defence Forces. In addition, Sanyoh Manufacturing Co. has extensive experience in the production and assembly of parts for mass-produced items, such as large office equipment, separated from aerospace-related work. We will leverage our aircraft manufacturing technology and mass production experience to engage in the production of SkyDrive’s eVTOL vehicle, a new means of air transportation. We look forward to contributing to the development of this new mode of transportation as part of SkyDrive’s supply chain,” said Atsushi Yoshimura, President of Sanyoh Manufacturing Co.
“Sanyoh Manufacturing Co. is an established player in the Japanese aerospace industry, manufacturing a range of civil and defence use parts. Supporting SkyDrive with parts since our full-scale flying prototype, utilising their strong automation capabilities, extensive Nadcap approvals and vertical integration, Sanyoh Manufacturing Co. is the ideal partner for sheet metal parts and fabrications. I’m delighted to have their support in our supply chain as we move to production,” said Arnaud Coville, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of SkyDrive.
From a non-destructive testing perspective, the partnership highlights the continued role of Nadcap-certified inspection processes in aerospace manufacturing. Sanyoh's certified NDT capabilities form part of its integrated production system, supporting the inspection and quality assurance of flight-critical components manufactured for the SD-05 as SkyDrive advances toward commercial production.
Reference: https://skydrive.co.jp/en/news/72735/
