Hyundai plans to launch flying taxis in the US by 2028
NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — Korean company Hyundai and its subsidiary Supernal have announced plans to release electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the US market by 2028.
In an interview with Bloomberg News, Supernal’s CEO revealed the company’s plans. Starting in late 2024, Supernal plans to conduct test flights of its electric aircraft in order to enter the commercial transportation market in the United States by 2028. The construction of a corresponding facility in the United States is in the planning stage, and specific details remain unclear.
Supernal is allocating about four years to transition from test flights to commercial operation. Testing at altitudes up to 500 meters plays a key role in this process, requiring the creation of both technical and legal infrastructure. According to Supernal CEO Jaewon Shin, such an infrastructure does not yet exist and its development will take time.
The initial use of electric aircraft will likely be in cargo transportation, but over time, flying taxis could gain the trust of passengers. Supernal is developing prototypes capable of carrying four passengers and one pilot at speeds of up to 190 km/h.
To speed up development, Supernal created two new regional development centers in California and attracted specialists from such giants as Boeing, Tesla and Lockheed Martin. Together with the support of parent holding Hyundai, the company is committed to the rapid introduction of electric aircraft into the transport system.
Despite Supernal’s optimism, challenges include regulating low-altitude flights and finding lighter alternatives to heavy batteries. Despite these challenges, the company is confident that the turning point in integrating aircraft into everyday life will come quickly, like passenger elevators and mobile phones.
Hyundai and Supernal plan to submit test flight applications to the FAA in the coming months.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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