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H2FLY, a leader in the development of hydrogen-electric aircraft powertrain systems, has announced the next generation of its proprietary fuel cell system H175 – a high-performance and modular power unit designed to be used in commercial aircraft applications.

The H175 program will provide a series of fuel cell systems that can be combined and upscaled to power hydrogen-electric aircraft in the megawatt-class range, which complies with aircraft that comprise of 20 to 80 seats. H2FLY is responsible for the development, integration, and testing of the overall fuel cell systems hardware and software.

Discussing the announcement of H175, Josef Kallo, CEO and co-founder of H2FLY said: “With H175 we introduce a completely new generation of aviation-grade fuel cell systems, pushing forward the state of the art in the industry. By developing this new system, but also working to solve the challenges of using liquid hydrogen with fuel cells in the HEAVEN project, H2FLY is bringing together all crucial elements to realize truly sustainable, commercial air travel.”

H2FLY is planning to test the first generation of its H175 system in aircraft flight demonstrations late this year. In addition, as part of the German government’s “328 H2-FC” project, the company intends to integrate H175 fuel cell systems into a Dornier 328 demonstrator aircraft.

Related: H2FLY passes first integrated liquid hydrogen tank filling tests

Funded by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), “328 H2-FC” is a joint project with other partners aiming to develop a hydrogen-electric fuel cell system in the megawatt range and test it in flight demonstrations.

Over the past decade, H2FLY has led the way in hydrogen-electric powertrain systems for aircraft, building and testing six generations of powertrains to date. Last year, the company’s testbed aircraft HY4 set what is believed to be a world record for hydrogen-electric passenger aircraft flying at an altitude of 7,230 ft. Furthermore, the company leads the European initiative HEAVEN – a project to demonstrate the feasibility of using liquid, cryogenic hydrogen with fuel cells in aircraft.

Why it’s important: H175 systems will be capable of providing their full power range in flight altitudes of up to 27,000 ft, marking an important step on the path from lower altitude viability flight demonstrations to real-world commercial aircraft applications. Further, this scaling of H2FLY’s technology signals an increased feasibility of hydrogen fuel cell systems in larger platforms with up to 80-passenger capacities.

Electra Aero has unveiled the test vehicle for its hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft, the first of its kind, marking a significant milestone in Electra’s mission to help decarbonize aviation and revolutionize urban and regional transportation. The bright yellow aircraft is named the Electra Model EL-2 “Goldfinch” in celebration of the beloved, nimble American Goldfinch bird indigenous to North America.

Electra’s eSTOL technology demonstrator (TD) is the world’s first blown lift aircraft using distributed electric propulsion, which enables the airplane to take off and land in very short spaces. Electra’s proprietary blown lift technology uses eight motors to provide additional wing lift, and hybrid-electric power that provides internal recharging capabilities for aircraft batteries, eliminating the need for new ground infrastructure.

The two-seat piloted TD aircraft showcases the Electra eSTOL technology at full scale and will be flown this summer in an extensive flight test program to track performance and inform the design of Electra’s 9-passenger production aircraft. The company conducted a fully integrated test of its proprietary hybrid-electric propulsion system last year.

“In the three years since we founded Electra, we’ve designed our eSTOL aircraft, validated our blown lift technology with a sub-scale demonstrator, and run a fully integrated test of our 150-kilowatt hybrid-electric generator at full scale,’’ said John S. Langford, Founder and CEO of Electra.aero. “Now we’re ready to test the entire system with this technology demonstrator aircraft. We can’t wait to fly this plane and show the world what our eSTOL aircraft can do.”

Electra’s future eSTOL production aircraft plans to deliver the operational flexibility of a helicopter with the safety and economics of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft. Electra plans to fly a prototype of the 9-passenger production aircraft in 2025, with certification and entry into service in 2028 under FAA Part 23 regulation. Electra has designed the eSTOL aircraft so that hydrogen or battery-electric propulsion systems can be used in the future when those technologies are commercially viable.

“Electra was founded to build electric aircraft that make sense,” added JP Stewart, Electra Vice President and General Manager. “We are meeting market demand for cleaner, cost-effective aircraft that can fly people and cargo closer to where they want to go, and this technology demonstrator aircraft will prove that our eSTOL technology makes that possible.”

Electra currently holds letters of intent from more than 30 customers for over 1200 of its 9-passenger production eSTOL aircraft, totaling more than $4 billion in market demand. The company recently won a $30 million U.S. Air Force funding award as part of a larger $85 million funding effort. The aircraft was rolled out at Electra’s development facility at the Manassas, Virginia Regional Airport in a ceremony that included guests from the aviation industry, government, the investor community, and Electra customers.

Why it’s important: This announcement from Electra marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to help decarbonize aviation and revolutionize urban and regional transportation. Further, it sends a signal to Electra’s customers that the program is progressing toward its planned delivery milestones and thereby maintains customer confidence.

Technology company Whisper Aero unveiled their Whisper Jet concept yesterday as part of a larger reveal of the applications of their ultra-quiet ducted fan technology that is currently under development. Whisper Aero’s tech employs a ducted fan with a large number of propellers turning at much slower speeds than conventional designs to achieve its claimed industry-leading quiet noise footprint.

Whisper Aero is drawing attention with this and other information recently shared at the ongoing American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aviation Forum in San Diego, California. The company’s propulsion technology is claimed to be almost inaudible during overflight at 200′ with a 55lb drone, according to tweets from COO Ian Villa. The proposed advancements from Whisper Aero offer much lower noise levels and might solve the challenge of more negative public perceptions toward aerial mobility offerings due to higher noise levels.

Whisper Aero is a VC-backed company focused on application of their Whisper electric propulsion technology to a wide range of devices – including aerial mobility aircraft but also as part of consumer goods, such as home fans. The company was founded in Tennessee by Mark Moore, who has previously worked at Uber Elevate.

Whisper Aero released images of a concept Whisper Jet, but also stated that their technology is intended to apply to a wider range of applications than one eVTOL configuration.

Why it’s important: Whisper Aero’s founder Mark Moore has stated that they don’t plan to develop eVTOL’s as a vertically integrated company, but that there’s opportunity moving forward for Whisper to partner with an experienced manufacturer to help deploy their products to a wider market. Whisper Aero’s technology does have some similarities in appearance to the Lillium Jet, but also some key differences in terms of design to reduce noise. As more information is shared on Whisper Aero’s progress over the past two years, more specifics on application and manufacturing partners should emerge.

The Federal Aviation Administration has taken another key step toward safely enabling advanced air mobility this week by proposing a comprehensive rule for training and certifying pilots.  

“These proposed rules of the sky will safely usher in this new era of aviation and provide the certainty the industry needs to develop,” said Acting Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety David Boulter. 

Our next step to integrate air taxis is to determine how pilots of these powered-lift aircraft should be trained and certified. The FAA is now accepting comments from the public on a new proposed rule outlining the requirements to pilot these aircraft. https://t.co/KIuzJRCK2r pic.twitter.com/vwQD3Z4aCH

— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) June 7, 2023

New rules are necessary because many of the proposed aircraft take off and land like a helicopter but fly enroute like an airplane. The powered-lift proposed rule is designed to provide certainty to pilots and the industry on what the requirements and expectations will be to operate these aircraft once it is finalized. Under the proposed rule: 

• A clear pathway is proposed for pilots to earn powered-lift ratings specific to each type of aircraft they fly. 
• Pilots who work for powered-lift aircraft manufacturers could serve as the initial cadre of flight instructors, who could then train instructors at flight schools, training centers and air carriers. 
• To safely accelerate pilot certification, alternate eligibility criteria would enable certain pilots to meet flight-time experience requirements faster. This would apply to pilots who already hold a commercial pilot certificate and are instrument rated. 
• Powered-lift aircraft would follow the same set of operating rules as traditional aircraft that are used in private and commercial flights and air tours. 

The proposal would conform to International Civil Aviation Organization requirements, enabling U.S. pilots to operate in other countries. 

Individuals can comment on the proposed rule for 60 days after it publishes in the Federal Register.

The proposed rule closely follows another integration milestone. Last month, the FAA released an updated blueprint for airspace and procedure changes to accommodate future air taxis.  

For more information, visit the FAA’s Advanced Air Mobility website.

Why it’s important: The FAA has published their Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for powered-lift aircraft operations. This rule-making effort is critical to defining the certification path for civil operation of many eVTOL air taxis currently in development, and emphasizes a collaborative effort to best recruit expert knowledge from throughout the industry.

VoltAero’s Cassio is an electric-hybrid propulsion aircraft designed for safe, quiet, efficient and eco-friendly flight. The company plans on announcing further details on the Cassio 330 this month at the Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport in France.

The Cassio 330 will be the first in a family of all-new 5-12-seat aircraft that are tailored for applications that include air taxi/charter, commercial flights, utility-category (cargo, postal delivery, Medevac) and private ownership. They share significant commonality as the result of VoltAero’s modular design strategy.

VoltAero CEO and Chief Technology Officer Jean Botti will present the first Cassio 330 and outline the company’s roadmap for the development and production of the Cassio aircraft family during the press conference.

Botti will be joined at the press conference by Hiroshi Ito, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd., who will discuss Kawasaki’s decision to become a strategic investor in VoltAero – joining Series B funding for the Cassio aircraft family. The press conference will be held in the static display exhibit zone B4.

Why it’s important: The Cassio 330 will be the first in VoltAero’s new family of 5-12 seat hybrid electric aircraft that is tailored for future mobility. The aircraft could have an impact in the shorter term on the sustainability of last mile aviation and also be a proving platform for the company to gain expertise on hybrid electric propulsion as future aircraft within the family are defined.

Swiss Aviation Software and Volocopter cosigned a landmark multi-year contract for maintenance operations software (AMOS from Swiss AS. AMOS will be used to manage Volocopter’s electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft fleet worldwide. Seamless software integration will ensure continued fleet airworthiness, offer aircraft reliability monitoring and analysis, and act as an interface to Volocopter’s proprietary digital operating system, the VoloIQ. This is the first time Swiss-AS is collaborating in an urban air mobility setting, a key development as Volocopter prepares for entry into service in 2024.  

Volocopter is set to receive type certification in 2024 for its VoloCity, a 2-seater electric air taxi built for city use. The company will be the first to launch commercial services in Europe that meet the same very high safety standards commercial airliners must satisfy. Besides product certification, a successful industry launch and future operations scale-up require a solid UAM ecosystem. Plus, eVTOL fleets in global megacities will need to deliver fast turnaround times to maximize vertiport and airport space and provide an efficient customer service. 

AMOS excels at managing vehicle configuration traceability throughout its life cycle, a critical aspect of proper aircraft fleet maintenance. Further such aspects include component design/purchase dates, installation/replacement dates, and total operating hours. AMOS will also monitor ground handling operations, deploy the relevant tools, and manage ground staff assignments. Ground technicians will use AMOSmobile/EXEC, a touch-optimized mobile maintenance solution for “live” data streams. Further, artificial intelligence (AI) will enable reliability monitoring to improve fleet management efficiency. 

Meanwhile, Volocopter’s VoloIQ backbone will monitor customer-facing services like the booking process, as well as aircraft location and status, and battery health. Interlinking Volocopter’s air- and ground-side operations will create a fast, transparent, and safe fleet management system to support eVTOL operations scaling.

Why it’s important: The partnership with Swiss AS’ AMOS software will further eVTOL health monitoring and help to streamline operations and prognostic care of aerial mobility fleets, as the aviation industry at large is attempting to move past diagnostic to incorporate more data analysis and insights to manage potential maintenance and system malfunctions prior to occurrence. AMOS will help with this transition, and Volocopter is likely making their integration task easier by partnering early.

Boeing has purchased all of Kitty Hawk’s stake in Wisk in a move to become a complete owner of the Wisk Aerial Mobility development company. This new full ownership structure allow Wisk to more fully utilize Boeing’s expertise in development, testing, and certification, though Wisk will continue to operate as a separate company.

Although Wisk was initially founded as a joint venture between Boeing and eVTOL developer Kitty Hawk, with Boeing having invested over $450 million into Wisk last year, the company until now had been financially and supported by Boeing, rather than a subsidiary. With this new development, Wisk has now become a wholly-owned subsidiary under Boeing, making the two companies a single shareholder.

Despite Boeing’s new ownership of Wisk, Wisk’s CEO Brian Yutko has maintained that the company will continue its current operations and development of the aircraft as its own entity. Because Boeing and Wisk have already been working closely together on this upcoming aircraft for several years, current operations for the company will likely continue as they are, although Wisk’s aircraft will now utlimately be a Boeing product.

By assuming ownership of Wisk, Boeing gains an opportunity to consolidate Wisk’s efforts and streamline the development process, while simultaneously making themselves a major industry leader in the eVTOL industry. This acquisition solidifies Boeing’s commitment to becoming a long-term leader in the aerial mobility space, and to bringing electric urban aircraft to market.

Late last year, Wisk unveiled the latest version of its aircraft; a four-passenger, autonomous, fully-electric tilt-rotor eVTOL with a range of 90 miles and the ability to charge in 15 minutes. With this aircraft, Wisk hopes to transform the way people move around and between large cities and connected regional destinations.

Why it’s important: This move by the two companies demonstrates Boeing’s belief in the significance and upcoming potential of these new aircraft. As eVTOL moves further down the certification pipeline towards operation, we can expect to see more major OEMs seeking to become a part of this new value offer. Additionally, this new relationship will allow Wisk to fully access the entirety of Boeing’s resources, offering the company a even faster and even more experienced route to certification and commercial operation. By leveraging Wisk’s expertise and technological advancements in eVTOL aircraft, Boeing is now also poised to accelerate the development of safe and reliable air taxi services.

Related:

• Wisk Aero and Japan Airlines partner for future AAM operations (May 2023)
• Wisk Unveils World’s First Self-Flying, Four-Seat, All-Electric, Vertical Takeoff and Landing Air Taxi (October 2022)
• Boeing and Wisk Release Urban Air Mobility Concept of Operations, Lay Path for UAM Ops by 2030
• Boeing Invests an additional $495 Million into Wisk (January 2022)

ZeroAvia and Natilus have announced a strategic partnership to jointly develop hydrogen-electric engines for the Natilus Kona blended-wing-body (BWB) cargo aircraft. ZeroAvia’s ZA600 will be the sole hydrogen-electric propulsion source offered for the novel Kona short-haul feeder UAV, with the partnership focused on delivering zero-emission and lower cost operations.

Natilus recently validated the performance of the BWB design with flight testing of a quarter-scale Kona prototype aircraft, following three years of extensive wind-tunnel testing, while ZeroAvia has now conducted eight test flights of its prototype ZA600, 600kW engine in a 19-seat testbed aircraft.

ZeroAvia has already commenced flight testing of a 600kW prototype hydrogen-electric engine, which supports the development and certification of two initial engine classes: a 300-mile range in 9–19 seat aircraft by 2025, and up to 700-mile range in 40–80 seat aircraft by 2027. Based in the US and the UK, ZeroAvia has already secured experimental certificates for three prototype aircraft from the CAA and FAA.

In support of this effort, ZeroAvia also recently announced the creation of a hydrogen production facility at Birmingham Airport (BHX), featuring an on-site hydrogen production aircraft refueling facility, with the potential for multi-modal applications.  

Subject to funding, planning, and regulatory permissions being secured, the ambition would be to use the pioneering plant to support early flight demonstrations, and also refuel road vehicles, potentially including local buses. In advance of this, BHX has commenced talks with a major automotive company about trialing hydrogen buses and cars on its airfield.  

Why it’s important: The Natilus Kona, with its novel BWB design, offers increased volume for hydrogen storage, potentially transforming the air cargo delivery industry to one with low-cost, low carbon emissions, while also extending flight range. The partnership with ZeroAvia will leverage their expertise in hydrogen-electric powertrain technology with Natilus’ unique design to potentially create a scalable, long-range, and zero-emission air cargo delivery solution for the entire industry.

Related:

• Alaska Airlines Partners with ZeroAvia to Develop the World’s Largest Zero-Emission Aircraft
• ZeroAvia Achieves ‘Record-Breaking’ Hydrogen Fuel Cell Performance

Eve Air Mobility (“Eve”) (NYSE: EVEX, EVEXW), a leading player in the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) industry, has made significant strides in its testing phase as it moves closer to achieving key program milestones. Eve’s commitment to a building-blocks approach helps ensure the continuous enhancement of its technology and eVTOL aircraft, allowing for the delivery of a highly effective product to the market.

Eve Air Mobility, a spinoff from EmbraerX, is creating a unique eVTOL aircraft focused on efficiency, safety, low-noise profiles, and ultimately on making short-distance air travel more acccessible.

Eve recently completed propeller tests on its propeller rig in Brazil, focusing on measuring aerodynamic performance and sound properties for modeling and development purposes. The configuration and characteristics of propeller blades, such as torsion, shape, and quantity, are crucial in defining the vibration, load, and sound profile of the eVTOL. Additionally, they impact the energy requirements of the aircraft. By testing multiple models, Eve’s engineers are striving to enhance efficiency, reduce sound footprint, and lower operating costs.

Above: Eve truck testing rig, used for testing sound profiles and performance

In another significant development, Eve has commenced testing its vertical lift rotors on a specially designed truck-mounted platform. This mobile testbed aims to evaluate the performance of the rotors during the transition phase of flight. Eve’s engineering team is actively gathering data on the aerodynamic characteristics of the rotors in forward flight. The eVTOL by Eve employs a lift and cruise configuration, utilizing dedicated rotors for vertical flight and fixed wings for cruising. This configuration prioritizes safety, efficiency, reliability, and certifiability while simultaneously reducing operational costs and additional maintenance and repair expenses.

Alice Altissimo, the Vice President of Program Management and Operation at Eve, expressed satisfaction with the company’s program development activities thus far. Altissimo stated, “We are very pleased with our program development activities to date and making very good progress as we move toward the selection of primary suppliers and finalize the definition of our aircraft systems architecture. We continue to invest, and our team is working hard with the goal of developing a mature aircraft for certification and entry into service in 2026.”

Anticipating progress in the near future, Eve expects to finalize the selection of primary equipment suppliers in the first half of 2023. Subsequently, the company plans to commence the assembly of its first full-scale eVTOL prototype in the second half of 2023, followed by an extensive test campaign in 2024. Eve’s eVTOL is scheduled to achieve certification and enter service by 2026.

Collaborating with various partners, Eve is dedicated to accelerating the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem. Benefiting from a start-up mindset and backed by Embraer S.A.’s over 50-year history of aerospace expertise, Eve is taking a holistic approach to advancing the UAM ecosystem. Alongside its advanced eVTOL project, Eve provides a comprehensive global services and support network, as well as a unique air traffic management solution.

Why it’s important: By continuously enhancing its eVTOL technology through rigorous testing and collaborating with key partners, Eve is bringing its product closer to certification and commercialization. These developments signify the Eve’s commitment creating an eVTOL aircraft that can be certified in all parts of the world, and can be used to create reliable and versatile aerial mobility networks. By bringing its immense wealth of expertise to this new industry, Embraer’s Eve has immense potential to create an advanced and high-functioning aircraft, as well as the networks and software systems to help operate it.

Source // sUAS News, AAM international

Related:

• Kenya Airways to Purchase 40 Embraer EVE eVTOL Aircraft (June 2022)
• Ascent Partners with Embraer for 100 Eve eVTOLs (August 2021)
• FlyBIS to Purchase 40 eVTOLs from Eve (December 2022)
• EVE, Embraer-backed eVTOL startup, now trading on NYSE (July 2022)

Through partnerships with business jet and private helicopter operators ASL Group and Air-Dynamic SA, Lilium has sold up to eleven more of its initial production aircraft to these major charter companies.

On May 24th, Lilium signed an agreement with business jet operator ASL Group for the delivery of six Lilium Pioneer Edition Jets. The agreement includes deposit payments to Lilium.

With these aircraft, ASL intends to create a sustainable, high-speed transportation network connecting major hubs across Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Western Germany for its customers.

Philippe Bodson, owner and CEO of ASL Group said: “Our company is constantly seeking new ways to operate responsibly and contribute to a healthy future, both socially and ecologically. The Lilium Jet is a great opportunity to provide better value to our customers in a sustainable way. With zero operating emissions, vertical take-off landing capability, and a spacious premium cabin, Lilium represents the best option on the market.” 

ASL Group is one of Europe’s leading business jet management and operator companies, with offices and bases in most Belgian and Dutch airports. It currently manages and operates more than 45 aircraft, and is currently seeking new and innovative ways to serve its customers.

Air-Dynamic meanwhile, operates in Switzerland and Italy, and has signed an agreement for delivery of up to five Lilium Pioneer jets, which also included deposit payments.

Notably, Air-Dynamic already operates both helicopters and business jets in these areas with over 20 years of experience, making it a prime candidate for adoption of Lilium’s eVTOL jet. By owning and operating these aircraft, Air Dynamic SA hopes to capitalize on the high-end European business travel and tourism market.

Said Raffaella Meledandri, CEO of Air-Dynamic SA, “This partnership represents an important step for Air-Dynamic SA and the entire aviation industry. We are excited to work with Lilium to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for the future of aviation. The first project’s goal is to connect Lugano directly with Milan City Center and in parallel to establish a good connection in Italy for the most touristic destinations such as Lake Como and Capri.”

Currently, Air-Dynamic SA specializes in networked routes across Switzerland, Italy, Côte d’Azur, and French Alps. 

Why it’s important: Regional private jet and helicopter combination operators represent a prime and immediately applicable market for eVTOL aircraft with mid-range capabilities, such as the Lilium eVTOL. By purchasing these aircraft, operators can not only save on operating and maintenance costs, but can also offer their customers a unique and highly luxurious experience with this new kind of aircraft. Ultimately, these business models will also give Lilium and other eVTOL makers a chance to proof their viability and commercial feasibility, and build business towards expansion into more market segments.

Source // Lilium

Related:

• Lilium announces capital raise for up to $250 million (May 2023)
• Lilium and eVolare sign deal for up to 20 aircraft (December 2022)
• Lilium and Helity to Develop High Speed Electric Air Mobility Network in Southern Spain (August 2022)
• AAP Aviation to develop electric regional air mobility in Norway with the Lilium Jet (July 2022)
• Lilium Completes Transition from Hover to Winged Flight (June 2022)

Reliable Robotics has completed a series of flight tests in partnership with NASA to aid the FAA in the use of primary surveillance radar (PSR) data.

The tests were conducted on Reliable’s modified Cessna Grand Caravan at Travis Air Force Base and successfully demonstrated an autonomous taxi, takeoff, and landing. Reliable is currently developing an FAA STC for its remote pilot technology on the Caravan, but intends to make it available for other aircraft types in the future.

The tests were intended to demonstrate a high-precision, high-integrity navigation system that enables automatic takeoff and landing. More specifically demonstrating to the FAA their detect and avoid (DAA) capabilities. This technology helps to ensure safe distances between aircraft and minimize the risk of mid-air collisions. Successful demonstration of this software is on of the key hurdles needed to realize fully autonomous/remote pilot operations.

The test conducted with NASA involved feeding live radar data into a NASA facility and subjecting two aircraft to multiple encounter scenarios. These scenarios simulated approaching each other from different angles and speeds, simulating unintended near misses. Throughout the test, data from the FAA and DoD surveillance radar system was collected, alongside high-precision position information gathered onboard the aircraft. This data was subsequently cross-compared to evaluate the effectiveness of radar systems in ensuring separation.

Assuming successful outcomes, the end goal is to publish a formal paper that establishes the suitability of ground surveillance radar equipment as a vital component in solving the detect-and-avoid problem. This research holds promise for further enhancing aviation safety and paving the way for more advanced automation in the skies.

“Everything went the way that we expected,” said Robert Rose, CEO of Reliable Robotics. “There’s still a lot more work that needs to be done, but we were excited to kick this work off.”

Why it matters: Detect and Avoid software and collaboration with the FAA in the development of collision avoidance technologies will be of paramount importance for the long term success of fully autonomous aerial mobility platforms. Reliable’s work and eventual STC for the Cessna Caravan are steps in the right direct towards making remote piloting a reality.

Vertical Aerospace just announced that South Korean mobility technology company, Kakao Mobility, has pre-ordered up to 50 of Vertical’s VX4 aircraft, adding South Korea to Vertical’s list of customer launch markets.

Kakao Mobility, the largest Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform in South Korea with more than 30 million registered users, is the mobility subsidiary of South Korean internet giant, Kakao Corporation. Kakao Mobility runs the country’s most popular taxi-hailing app, Kakao T, providing taxi-hailing, designated driver booking, parking space search, and Kakao Navi app providing real-time traffic information services.

Vertical and Kakao Mobility will establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) to drive the commercialization of AAM services in South Korea, including the exploration of network and fleet planning, infrastructure requirements, regulatory development, and consumer awareness of eVTOL mobility solutions.

This JWG builds on Vertical’s existing consortium partnership with Kakao Mobility, LG Uplus, GS E&C, and the continued engagement with Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, for the K-UAM Grand Challenge (K-UAM GC).

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Vertical’s Founder and CEO, said “We are delighted to be partnering with Kakao Mobility. With its over 30 million registered users, Kakao Mobility is the go-to choice to ‘hail a ride’ and with our partnership, we look forward to people across South Korea being able to fly in a VX4 in the years to come. We are thrilled to be working together to make our joint vision a reality’.”

Alex Ryu, CEO of Kakao Mobility commented, “Kakao Mobility is the leading mobility platform and in an AI-enabled world with needs for faster, eco-friendly means of moving, we understand that UAM will be a game-changer in the near future. We are excited to take part in Vertical Aerospace’s mission to launch its VX4 globally and to bring an UAM service to Korean market. We will be expanding our business not only on the ground but to the sky through this partnership. As a consolidated mobility platform, Kakao Mobility will develop the “De Facto Standard” for UAM services. We look forward to collaborating closely to complete the K-UAM Grand Challenge successfully and into commercialization shortly after K-UAM GC.”

Vertical already has strong ties to South Korea with Hanwha, a key partner for the VX4 certification aircraft. Vertical is leveraging Hanwha’s four decades of industrial expertise to collaborate on the development and supply of actuator systems for the VX4.

Related:

• Vertical Aerospace moves towards Certification with VX4 eVTOL Aircraft
• Marubeni Pre-Orders 25 Aircraft from Vertical Aerospace, Conducts Proof of Concept Operations in Osaka
• Vertical to Partner with Babcock for Development of eVTOL EMS Applications

Why it’s important: South Korea is one of the largest economies in the world and is home to globally leading technology companies. Seoul, as well as other regions including Busan, is expected to have a significant Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market potential. The agreement with Kakao Mobility marks Vertical’s first partnership with a mobility technology company, enabling Vertical to leverage their existing customer base and vehicle network to create a seamless air-to-ground passenger journey and UAM ecosystem in the country.