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

Imagine this: You’re running late to a meeting downtown and I-385 is bumper to bumper, so you board a taxi in the sky that gets you there in a fraction of the time. Feels like the future, doesn’t it?

That future isn’t too far off.

Meet SkyDrive Inc. — a Japanese eVTOL company — entering the US market in SC in partnership with Greenville’s Downtown Airport.

SkyDrive's model of its flying car. — The current model can travel ~5-10km. | Rendering by SkyDrive

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.

SkyDrive in action — SkyDrive wants everyone to have access to eVTOLs. | Rendering by SkyDrive

What happens now?

SkyDrive will build a business infrastructure in SC and work with the Greenville Downtown Airport and the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (hey, COLAtoday 👋) 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 says 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.

Greenville Downtown Airport Director James Stephens tells us 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

He says when this technology is ready for every day use, the airport wants to be knowledgeable and prepared to offer this option to Greenville travelers.

POLL

Would you fly in an eVTOL?

A. Yes, that’s so cool.
B. No, that looks scary.
C. Maybe, I’d need to see more research.

LET US KNOW

EVENTS

Click here to have your event featured.

Tuesday, Jan. 31

Family Night | Tuesday, Jan. 31 | Times vary | Social Latitude, 1812 Woodruff Rd., Greenville | Free entry | Bring the family for a night of games like axe throwing and specials like two-for-$10 quesadillas.
Plant to Plate | Tuesday, Jan. 31 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Taylors Burdette Branch, 316 W. Main St., Taylors | Free | Join Clemson SNAP-Ed and the Seed Library to learn all about how to grow and eat microgreens.

Wednesday, Feb. 1

Not Your Grandma’s Bingo | Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 6-8 p.m. | Fireforge Crafted Beer, 311 E. Washington St., Greenville | Free entry | Play eight rounds of old school bingo for the chance to win prizes.
Stein Making with Hollowed Earth Pottery | Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 7-9 p.m. | 13 Stripes Brewery, 250 Mill St., Ste. PW3101, Taylors | $45 | After watching a demo, design and build your own custom beer stein.

Thursday, Feb. 2

Winter Masquerade Ball | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Pl., Greenville | Free | Learn to ballroom dance and catch a magic show while donning your best mask.
Once | Thursday, Feb. 2-Sunday, Feb. 5 | Times vary | Centre Stage, 501 River St., Greenville | $33.50-$38.50 | Featuring all of the songs from the critically acclaimed film, “Once” speaks to the power of music to connect us all.

Friday, Feb. 3

Community Clothing Swap | Friday, Feb. 3 | 4-7 p.m. | Amend Market, 2307 Old Buncombe Rd., Greenville | Free | Donate items you’re ready to part ways with and “shop” for free items to take home.
Side Quest: A Mainstage Comedy Revue | Friday, Feb. 3 | Times vary | Alchemy Comedy Theatre at Coffee Undergorund, 1 E. Coffee St., Greenville | $15 | This tribute to the world of magic and fantasy features scripted sketches, improv comedy games, and a fully improvised comedy quest.

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

EAT

Planning to eat at Comal 864? 🌮

Two birria quesitacos outside of Comal 864 and Chef Dayna making tortillas.

“Food is the quickest route to serving others,” Chef Dayna tells us. | Photos by GVLtoday

If you’re looking to dine at Comal 864 (1112 Woodside Ave.) after last week’s James Beard semifinalist list dropped, we have an important update. Chef Dayna Lee-Márquez says her restaurant will be closed Sundays and Mondays for prep and cleaning.

⏰ Stop by for a taste during these hours:

Tuesday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Thursday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Pro tip: Stop by during breakfast hours for a taste of the breakfast tacos that put Chef Dayna on the map.

Click the button below for the seven questions we asked Chef Dayna just hours after she saw her name on the James Beard semifinalist list.

ALL ABOUT CHEF DAYNA

NEWS NOTES

Weather

63º | Cloudy | 20% chance of rain

Biz

Grill Marks has temporarily closed its downtown location (209 S. Main St.) for renovations. Don’t worry, the Haywood Mall location (700 Haywood Rd., Ste. 2023B) remains open and ready to curb those burger cravings. 🍔

Closed

Molly and Myles Ice Cream has closed its flagship location in the Cherrydale Point shopping mall. The owner says the lease was up and there has been less traffic with fewer people going to the shopping center’s movie theater. You can still get a taste at Molly and Myles’ other location at 2123 Augusta St. 🍦 (Upstate Business Journal)

Number

$1.1 billion. That’s the total economic impact the Peace Center has had on SC according to a study done by USC’s Darla Moore School of Business. It’s a figure that’s expected to go up in the future with an expansion featuring two new venues breaking ground this year. (WSPA)

Announced

“Whiskey and Rain” will be coming down, coming down when country singer Michael Ray takes over The Foundry at Judson Mill (701 Easley Bridge Rd.) on Friday, March 17. Get your tickets. 🎶

Active

Grab your mat for $5 yoga every Friday in February at Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery (205 Cedar Lane Rd.). Reserve your spot for class this Friday, Feb. 3, and namaste for some Stecca Bread after you find your zen. 🙏

Legacy

Marshall Tucker, the namesake of the Marshall Tucker Band, died last week at age 99. Though he never played in the band, the blind piano player’s name — which was on a keychain at the Spartanburg warehouse where the band rehearsed in 1972 — inspired their name. The band got Marshall’s blessing, and the rest is history. (People)

Finance

Greenville Federal Credit Union’s Winter MoneyClips Newsletter is out now and full of helpful financial tips and tricks for the new year. Learn about mortgage options and more. 🏠*

Trending

The internet’s most popular cup is back in stock. The Stanley Quencher is beloved for its comfortable handle, large straw, ability to fit in your car’s cup holder, and how it keeps water cold for 11 hours. Plus, the popular 40 ounce size means all day hydration. 💧*

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CAUSE

Four-legged friends with an important job

Instagram post of therapy dogs at Prisma Health Children's Hospital.

Patients and pups celebrated 15 years of partnership. | Post by @prisma_health

Upstate Therapy Dogs have been stopping by Prisma Health Children’s Hospital to visit with patients and team members for 15 years.

“Dog days” take place twice a month at the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital – Upstate Outpatient Center, along with regular visits at the hospital. Peep the full schedule.

The visits are so popular, some parents schedule their child’s appointments when they know the organization is bringing their furry friends to play.

Click the button below to learn more about the organization and ways you can support its efforts to bring comfort to Upstate patients.

GET INVOLVED

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Danielle.

Editor’s pick: Does anyone else feel like this “flying car” news means we’re living in “Meet the Robinsons?” The design doesn’t seem too far off. After chatting with Airport Director James Stephens, it’s a reminder of how cool Greenville is: We have forward-thinking leadership who are proactive about new technology.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Shop local for your Valentine with this Six & Main gift guide.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Kyle Steadings, Danielle Johnson, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Anne Hazard | Advertise with us.

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P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602