Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports), the global leader in vertiport infrastructure for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, has been appointed as the lead vertiport developer for Korea’s first commercial vertiport network, on Jeju Island.
As part of a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Skyports and the Jeju Provincial Government, signed on September 5 during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Jeju Global Future Aerospace Confesta at Jeju Shinhwa World, the agreement lays the foundation for AAM operations in Jeju, ahead of the anticipated launch of eVTOL services by 2028.
Under the Memorandum, Skyports has identified a viable vertiport network for initial service launch within Jeju Island, securing vertiport sites and signing agreements with the relevant landowners.
Skyports will lead the planning and building of vertiports, secure investments and manage business operations, while consulting upon and coordinating a suitable aircraft OEM launch partner for the network. Jeju Province will support by securing designation of demonstration zones, and providing administrative support such as permits and approvals.
The initial proposed vertiport sites are Jeju International Airport, Jungmun and Seongsan with further locations mapped out for potential future expansion of the network. The initial routes will look to reduce existing transport times by approximately 85%, with all routes reducing approximately 60 minute drive times to 9-10 minute flights.
Jeju Island’s AAM ambitions have also received significant support from the Jeju Provincial Government. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transportation (MOLIT) has designated the island as a tourism & regional Korea UAM (K-UAM) test zone. Jeju has also completed more AAM readiness exercises than any other provinces, positioning it as the leading location for AAM deployment in Korea.
Oh Young-hoon, Governor of Jeju Provincial Government, stated, “This agreement with Skyports marks a turning point in realizing the new transportation system Jeju has envisioned. By combining Jeju’s unique geographic advantages with world-class technology, we will write a new chapter in the history of future mobility.”
Addison Ferrell, Director of Infrastructure, Skyports, commenting on the MoU signing, added, “We are honoured to be recognized as Jeju’s leading partner for AAM development. This MoU reflects our shared vision to create the infrastructure and operations needed to bring Advanced Air Mobility to life. Jeju’s unique environment makes it the ideal launchpad, and we are committed to ensuring this project becomes a model for Asia and beyond.”
As Korea’s top tourist destination, Jeju Island (dubbed “Hawaii of the East”) is well suited to take advantage of future AAM operations. It sees an average of 13 million visitors per year, with 230 domestic and international flights arriving daily. With limited ground transportation options and growing sustainability goals from the Government, AAM will offer a faster, cleaner, and premium transport option on the island.
