Hyundai Motor Group Partners with Korea Aerospace Industries

Seoul, South Korea, Hyundai Motor Group, an automaker, and Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop future Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions.

The agreement was signed in the presence of senior leaders, including Jaehoon Chang, Vice Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, and Jong-chul Kim, President and CEO of KAI. Under the partnership, both companies will work together on the development of an AAM aircraft using electrified aviation powertrain technology.

Mr. Gang Hyun Seo, President and Head of Corporate Planning Office of Hyundai Motor Group, said “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.”

Mr. Jong-chool Kim, President and CEO of Korea Aerospace Industries, said “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.”

Under the agreement, Hyundai Motor Group and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) will combine their strengths to develop and mass-produce competitive future air mobility aircraft. Hyundai Motor Group will contribute its expertise in electrified aviation powertrains, while KAI will bring its aircraft airframe development capabilities.

The partnership will go beyond technology and talent sharing. Both companies will also work together across supply chains, certification procedures, and global customer networks.

Supernal, Hyundai Motor Group’s U.S.-based Advanced Air Mobility affiliate, will jointly develop the AAM aircraft with KAI. Separately, Hyundai Motor Group and KAI will cooperate on the commercialization of electrified aviation powertrains being developed by Hyundai Motor Group’s Aviation Powertrain Sub-Division. The companies also plan to explore additional areas of collaboration across the wider aviation industry.

Earlier this month, Supernal appointed Dr. Farhan Gandhi as its new Chief Technology Officer. With more than 30 years of experience in rotorcraft research, Gandhi brings strong expertise in vertical lift vehicle technologies and is expected to support Supernal’s next stage of technology development.

Founded in 1999, KAI has been a key player in South Korea’s aerospace industry, developing platforms such as the KT-1 basic trainer aircraft and the Songgolmae (RQ-101) unmanned aerial vehicle. The company is also expanding into the civilian air mobility sector, strengthening its position in Korea’s aerospace market.

Together, Hyundai Motor Group and KAI aim to use their electrification and aerospace expertise to accelerate the development of safe, innovative, and next-generation aviation solutions.

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