Hyundai Motor Group and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have entered into a strategic partnership to develop and mass produce competitive future air mobility aircraft based on electrified aviation powertrains.
The agreement focuses on combining Hyundai Motor Group’s expertise in electrified aviation powertrain development with the aircraft airframe development capabilities established by KAI. This collaboration aims to create a comprehensive Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem by leveraging the strengths of both organizations to compete in the global civilian mobility market. The scope of the agreement covers technical resource sharing, human resources, supply chain cooperation, certification processes, and global customer networks.
“Our partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries, a leader in Korea’s aerospace industry, represents a significant step forward in our efforts to develop future air mobility solutions. By introducing safe and efficient Advanced Air Mobility offerings, we aim to expand the boundaries of mobility into the skies,” said Gang Hyun Seo, President and Head of Corporate Planning Office of Hyundai Motor Group.
The partnership involves Supernal, Hyundai Motor Group’s U.S.-based AAM affiliate, which will work alongside KAI to develop the AAM aircraft. Additionally, the entities will collaborate on the commercialization of electrified aviation powertrains currently under development by Hyundai Motor Group’s Aviation Powertrain Sub-Division. Beyond these core projects, the two companies plan to identify new areas of cooperation across the broader aviation industry.
“By combining Korea Aerospace Industries’ integrated capabilities in fixed-wing and rotorcraft systems with Hyundai Motor Group’s large-scale manufacturing expertise and comprehensive mobility ecosystem, we expect to develop K-AAM solutions capable of competing at the global level. This collaboration marks an important milestone in our ambition to emerge as a game changer in the global civilian mobility market and to contribute to Korea’s rise as a leading aerospace nation,” said Jong-chool Kim, President and CEO of Korea Aerospace Industries.
The announcement follows the recent appointment of Dr. Farhan Gandhi as Chief Technology Officer at Supernal earlier this month. With over 30 years of experience in rotorcraft research and vertical lift technologies, Dr. Gandhi is expected to drive technological advancements during the company’s next phase of development.
KAI brings a long history of aerospace leadership to the partnership, having delivered key platforms such as the KT-1 basic trainer and the Songgolmae unmanned aerial vehicle since its establishment in 1999. By merging these legacy aerospace capabilities with Hyundai Motor Group’s electrification expertise, the two companies intend to accelerate the deployment of innovative and safe next-generation aviation solutions.
