Hyundai’s Supernal to Enable Development of Advanced Air Mobility in Miami

Hyundai’s urban air mobility division, Supernal, is collaborating with the City of Miami to increase equity of access, incubate local talent, and serve as a replicable model for human-centered future cities.

Supernal signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Miami to create a comprehensive engagement framework that will enable development of advanced air mobility (AAM). The MOU affords Supernal and the City the opportunity to take meaningful steps toward delivering innovative, multimodal and community-focused mobility solutions that benefit people and society.

“We are honored to play a role in responsibly co-creating the future of mobility for the city of Miami,” said Jaiwon Shin, CEO of Supernal, and President of Hyundai Motor Group. “Because of the leadership demonstrated by Mayor Suarez, our work together will help establish the city of Miami as a model for AAM market development we hope to replicate in other cities.”

As part of the MOU, Supernal and the City will collaborate with community organizations to identify current gaps in existing transportation, determine how AAM can help and if needed, recommend potential new policies. The MOU also includes launching workforce development and education initiatives that recruit and incubate local talent and integrate AAM into existing transit networks, such as Metrorail, Metrobus and Metromover, among other systems.

The policies developed and insights gained through this first-of-its kind collaboration can subsequently serve as a model for municipal leaders nationwide as more cities begin to adopt new mobility solutions.

Venture Miami, the bridge-building team in the mayor’s office responsible for developing the city’s innovation and technology ecosystem, will oversee key aspects of the MOU and convene regular working group meetings and collaborations with influential community, business and education leaders to outline the necessary steps to actualize AAM in Miami.

“Our partnership with the City of Miami is about more than selling electric air vehicles or securing rights to establish operations,” said Diana Cooper, Global Head of Policy and Regulation of Supernal. “At this stage, our interest is bringing together different public and private sector voices to explore when and how AAM can address the city’s transportation needs and challenges.”

Supernal will serve as an ongoing resource to the City and to Mayor Suarez in recognition of the leadership demonstrated in embracing this transformative technology.

Related: Hyundai Announces US-Based ‘Supernal’ UAM Division

Why it’s important: AAM has the potential to transform communities by enabling efficient inter- and intracity transport, including access to traditionally underserved and remote locations, reducing carbon emissions and providing a seamless, end-to-end passenger experience, among other benefits. The MOU creates a mechanism for the City to work with industry and community stakeholders to develop inclusive and forward-thinking policies that enable AAM and best serve Miami’s citizens and residents.

Credit // Supernal press release