SEOUL, May 10, 2026 – Hyundai Motor Group and Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop future Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions. 

The agreement was signed in the presence of key executives, including Jaehoon Chang, Vice Chair of Hyundai Motor Group; and Jong-chool Kim, President and CEO of KAI. The collaboration between the two parties will focus on the joint development of an AAM aircraft, based on electrified aviation powertrains. 

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

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

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.