Hyundai Construction Unveils UAM Vertiport Concept Design for the First Time

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Hyundai Construction has unveiled the concept design of an urban air mobility (UAM) vertical take-off and landing flight port (vertiport) for the first time.

Hyundai Construction announced that from the 10th, it will participate as part of the 'K-UAM' team alongside Hyundai Motor Company, Incheon International Airport Corporation, KT, and Korean Air at the '2022 K-UAM Confex' held over three days at Paradise City Hotel on Yeongjongdo Island, Incheon, to present the future vision of the Korean-style vertiport.

The consortium signed a memorandum of understanding last November to successfully realize the UAM industry and build an ecosystem, and submitted a proposal in May to participate in the demonstration project 'K-UAM Grand Challenge Phase 1' ahead of commercialization in 2025.

At this event, they will announce their participation plan for the Grand Challenge demonstration project and unveil the Korean-style vertiport concept design for the first time, considering the domestic urban location environment. The vertiport concept design, conducted as a joint project with Hyundai Motor Company, was derived through collaboration with global airport design firm Gensler and Incheon International Airport Corporation.

First, the future types of Korean urban vertiports were classified into four categories: airport-linked type, building rooftop type, complex transfer center type, and open area modular type. Conceptual design proposals for each type were also presented, including existing airport terminal infrastructure, rooftops of urban buildings, bus terminal rooftops, riversides, and wide open terrains without obstructions.

A Hyundai Construction official stated, "Vertiports are an essential area for creating the UAM ecosystem alongside aircraft and traffic management. This project presents a blueprint of various vertiport business models applicable domestically to expand the UAM infrastructure business," adding, "Through close cooperation with specialized institutions, we plan to secure capabilities in vertiport design and construction technology development to lead future UAM infrastructure new businesses."