SkyDrive advances plans for eVTOL medical transport network in Taiwan
The partnership moves proposed electric air ambulance service in the Penghu Islands into the planning phase ahead of targeted operations from 2028
SkyDrive has signed an agreement with Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and drone operator 7A Drones to advance preparations for an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) medical transport service in the Penghu Islands.
The agreement marks the transition of the project from a feasibility study to the preparatory phase, with the partners beginning work on the operational, technical, and regulatory requirements needed to launch emergency medical transport services from 2028 onwards.
The three organizations will refine an initial emergency medical transport route linking Magong City on Penghu’s main island with Hujing Island, while also assessing additional routes across the island archipelago.
The project will include engagement with hospitals, emergency medical services, public health authorities, and local government agencies.
Other workstreams include identifying permanent vertiport locations and temporary emergency landing sites, defining operational and communications requirements, and establishing charging infrastructure and airspace management systems to support future eVTOL operations.
SkyDrive said the initiative was intended to address long-standing healthcare access challenges affecting Taiwan’s remote islands, where adverse winter weather can disrupt ferry services and delay access to specialist medical care. The company believes eVTOL aircraft could provide a faster connection between island communities and healthcare facilities.
The latest agreement builds on collaboration launched in 2025, when the three organizations began evaluating medical transport as a potential use case for advanced air mobility in Taiwan. Earlier this year, 7A Drones also signed a letter of intent to acquire 10 SkyDrive SD-05 aircraft as part of the proposed service.