Hyundai Motor Group and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of next-generation Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions.
The partnership will focus on the joint development of future air mobility aircraft powered by electrified aviation powertrains, combining Hyundai Motor Group’s mobility and manufacturing expertise with KAI’s aerospace engineering capabilities. The agreement was signed in the presence of senior executives including Jaehoon Chang and Jong-chool Kim.
Speaking on the collaboration, Gang Hyun Seo said the partnership marks a major step forward in Hyundai Motor Group’s efforts to develop safe, efficient, and innovative future air mobility solutions aimed at expanding mobility beyond roads and into the skies.
KAI President and CEO Jong-chool Kim stated that the collaboration combines KAI’s expertise in fixed-wing and rotorcraft systems with Hyundai Motor Group’s large-scale manufacturing capabilities and integrated mobility ecosystem. He added that the partnership is expected to accelerate the development of globally competitive Korean Advanced Air Mobility (K-AAM) solutions and strengthen Korea’s position in the global aerospace and civilian mobility sectors.
The collaboration represents a significant move toward the commercialization of electrified air mobility technologies and highlights growing industry efforts to shape the future of urban and regional transportation through Advanced Air Mobility platforms.
Under the agreement, the two parties will leverage Hyundai Motor Group’s expertise in electrified aviation powertrain development and KAI’s aircraft airframe development capabilities to jointly develop and mass produce competitive future air mobility aircraft.
The collaboration extends beyond the sharing of technological and human resources to include broad cooperation across supply chains, certification processes, and global customer networks.
Supernal, Hyundai Motor Group’s U.S.-based Advanced Air Mobility affiliate, and KAI will jointly develop the AAM aircraft. Separately, Hyundai Motor Group and KAI will collaborate on the commercialization of electrified aviation powertrains being developed by Hyundai Motor Group’s Aviation Powertrain Sub-Division. In addition, the two companies plan to identify new areas of cooperation across the broader aviation industry and further expand their collaboration.
Earlier this month, Supernal appointed Dr. Farhan Gandhi as the company’s new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With more than 30 years of leadership in rotorcraft research, Gandhi brings a distinguished background in vertical lift vehicle technologies and is expected to play a pivotal role in Supernal’s next phase of technological advancement.
Since its establishment in 1999, KAI has played a central role in the development of South Korea’s aerospace industry, delivering key platforms such as the KT-1 basic trainer aircraft and the Songgolmae (RQ-101) unmanned aerial vehicle. The company is also expanding its business into the civilian air mobility sector, reinforcing its leadership in Korea’s aerospace industry.
Together Hyundai Motor Group and KAI will leverage their electrification and aerospace expertise to accelerate safe and innovative next-generation aviation solutions.
