It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s a...car? 🚙

“Flying car” company to enter US market in partnership with Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)

The SD-05 commercial aircraft is currently in development. | Rendering by SkyDrive

Are flying cars finally here? Imagine being able to bypass Malfunction Junction while riding in an air taxi. Feels like the future, doesn’t it? Well, that future isn’t too far off.

Meet SkyDrive Inc. — a Japanese eVTOL company — entering the US market in SC in partnership with several airports, including Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE).

skydrive colatoday — The current model can travel ~5-10km.

What the heck is eVTOL?

eVTOL stands for electric vertical take-off and landing. It’s an aircraft that does, well, just that. It uses electric power to take off and land vertically. SkyDrive’s model — the SD-05 — is a zero-emissions, two-seat aircraft designed for use in daily life.

What happens now?

SkyDrive will build a business infrastructure in SC and work with the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) and Greenville Downtown Airport (hey, GVLtoday 👋) to establish FAA-approved operations for the SD-05 to hit SC skies safely and efficiently.

Why our state?

SkyDrive’s founder and CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa said in its press release that choosing the Palmetto State was easy because SC “has a proven ability to excel in advanced aerospace manufacturing.”

Other factors considered:

Home to 400+ aerospace and aviation companies (think: Boeing and Lockheed Martin)
Robust supply chain
Mild climate
Abundant tourism
Airports close to city centers

When will it take flight?

SkyDrive aims to begin its air taxi service in 2025 in Osaka, Japan with hopes to make driving in the sky accessible to everyone by 2050.

Frank Murray — the Director of Planning & Facilities at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) — told COLAtoday,

“We are going to work with Skydrive to identify the potential uses for this technology in the US market through simulations based on our regional infrastructure and demographics. We believe educational and business opportunities will spin off from the knowledge we will gain through this exercise.“

Greenville Downtown Airport Director James Stephens told GVLtoday that a lot has to happen before this concept becomes reality, including:

FAA regulations and approval
Funding and construction of landing infrastructure
Consumer acceptance of a new transportation method

Watch SkyDrive’s full announcement here.

So, what do you think? Would you fly in an eVTOL? Share your thoughts about this futuristic concept coming to SC with us below.

SHARE YOUR eVTOL THOUGHTS HERE

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Wednesday, Feb. 1

Own Your Career: A roadmap to career acceleration in 2023 | Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 5:30-7 p.m. | femme x COLUMBIA, 1501 Richland St., Columbia | $35-$45 | During the session, you will complete a career road-mapping exercise with clear next actions.
Big Gigantic | Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 9 p.m. | The Senate, 1022B Senate St., Columbia | $33.50 | Big Gigantic is a hip-hop and jazz musical duo based out of Boulder, CO.

Thursday, Feb. 2

Garden Asana - Grass Roots Yoga | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 8:15-9:15 a.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $15 | This class is for everyone, focuses on breath, and you will have the opportunity to receive personal adjustments.
Gamecocks women’s basketball vs. Kentucky Wildcats women’s basketball | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $12-$20 | Watch the No. 1 ranked Gamecocks go for their 28th straight win over the past two seasons.

Friday, Feb. 3

Vintage Market Days presents “Freshly Picked” | Friday, Feb. 3-Sunday, Feb. 5 | Times vary | SC State Fair Grounds, 1200 Rosewood Dr., Columbia | $10-$15 | Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage and vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market, featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, and seasonal plantings.
Matilda Jr. - The Musical at Village Square Theatre | Friday, Feb. 3-Sunday, Feb. 5 | Times vary | Village Square Theatre, 105 Caughman Rd., Lexington | $12-$14 | Village Square Theatre brings Broadway to your backyard.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

60º | Cloudy | 20% chance of rain

Concert

Awadagin Pratt — a world-renowned pianist — will perform with the USC Symphony Orchestra and violinist Ari Streisfeld. The Feb. 4 concert will be free and will happen at the Johnson Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. The Feb. 7 concert will be at The Koger Center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $28. 🎶 (The Post and Courier)

Community

The City of Columbia is hosting a Go Red Columbia community event on National Wear Red Day (Friday, Feb. 3 at 12 p.m.). The event will raise awareness of women affected by heart disease and encourages action. Register for the free event and don’t forget to wear red. ❤️

Drink

Coa Agaveria y Cocina (823 Lady St.) announced that it will be open on Mondays beginning Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. This means Soda Citizens get another day of happy hour. Cheers! 🍹

Eat

Wine not? The Armory at Savage Craft Ale Works and Alexander Valley wines are presenting a wine dinner on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an elevated four-course meal where each course will be paired with a glass of Alexander Valley wine. 🍷

Job

The City is hiring a Business Recruit Manager. If you’re interested in recruiting businesses to Columbia, working with the City’s Office of Economic Development, and driving job creation, send over your application by March 25. The salary range is ~$56K-$72K.

Ranked

No. 13. That’s where Columbia ranked on WalletHub’s report on 2023’s Best Places to Get Married out of 180 cities. Our city also ranked No. 1 for having the most Wedding Chapels & Churches per Capita category. ⛪️ (WalletHub)

Health

Heart disease often shows no symptoms, so many people don’t know there’s a problem — until it’s too late. One option that can catch the disease early: a calcium score scan. Find out why you might want this heart test. Bonus: It takes less than a minute. 🫀*

Seasonal

Instead of roses or chocolate, opt for an experiential Valentine’s Day gift this year, like an intimacy card deck or chocolate truffle making kit from Uncommon Goods. Wanna plan the ultimate date night? Order this fondue set for two or enjoy this virtual romantic painting class. 💝 *

Featured Job

Blue Ion is hiring a full-time Paid Media Manager. Their dream candidate has three-five years of experience and can contribute immediately. The position’s focus will be on optimizing paid media campaigns across ad networks (search, display, shopping, social, video, audio, etc.), and they expect candidates to demonstrate their expertise during the interview process. Learn more + apply.*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Did you see this? 👀

Colonial Life Arena announced thekidlaroi

You may recognize The Kid Laroi from his collab with Justin Bieber on the song “STAY.” | Photo by Colonial Life Arena

We’re bringing back the Post Of the Day in the newsletter — if you know, you know — to share that The Kid Laroi will be coming to Colonial Life Arena on Sunday, April 2 on his Bleed For You college tour. Jeremy Zucker — well known for his song “comthru” — will be accompanying him.

Don’t recognize his name? You may recognize his hit song “STAY (with Justin Bieber)” which has over 2 billion plays on Spotify.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, Feb. 3 at 12 p.m.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Sam.

Editor’s pick: We will be writing up a newsletter for Columbia’s annual Mardi Gras event, but the lineup was just released. Check it out for a sneak peek into the festive weekend happening in March.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Along with The Kid Laroi, see 20+ concerts and shows coming to Cola this spring, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Samantha Robertson, David Stringer, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith| Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Lindsey Rhinesmith| Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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