Full-Scale Commercialization of Future Air Mobility in Indonesia
Officials from the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, the New Capital City Authority, and representatives from Hyundai Motor Company and Kia pose for a commemorative photo in front of the 'S-A2' exhibit on the 29th (local time). (Photo by Hyundai Motor Company and Kia)
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia are demonstrating future air mobility (AAM) technology that connects ground and air transportation in Indonesia and are embarking on full-scale commercialization.
On the 29th (local time), Hyundai Motor Company and Kia held a public demonstration event of AAM technology at Samarinda Airport near Indonesia's new capital.
The event was attended by government officials from the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, the New Capital Authority, and company officials including Kim Cheol-woong, Executive Director in charge of AAM Business Promotion at Hyundai Motor Company and Kia.
Indonesia has a vast land area and consists of about 18,000 islands, making the development of land transportation difficult. For this reason, it is considered the country with the highest growth potential for the AAM business.
On this day, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia demonstrated the demand-responsive transport (DRT) service 'Shuckle' and AAM services. Their strategy is to offer a service that enables freer and more comfortable movement through an integrated mobility solution connecting ground and air mobility.
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia first explained the Shuckle application (app), which handles the entire reservation and payment process for integrated ground and air mobility, including AAM. Then, using the Shuckle app, they called a Hyundai County electric vehicle (EV) bus and transported attendees to the hangar, the event venue.
The AAM aircraft demonstration used the AAM prototype 'Opav' developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. Opav took off and flew about 2 km along a flight path pre-agreed with the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation before arriving at its destination. A scaled model of the new AAM aircraft 'S-A2,' which is under development with a target commercialization year of 2028, was also exhibited at the event. This aircraft was first unveiled earlier this year at the world's largest consumer electronics show, CES 2024.
Kim Cheol-woong, Executive Director in charge of AAM Business Promotion, said, "For future air mobility to take root, it is not enough to develop the aircraft alone; cooperation across the entire aviation industry is necessary." He added, "While continuing research and development with Supernal, Hyundai Motor Group's independent urban air mobility subsidiary in the United States, aiming for AAM commercialization in 2028, we will continue strategic partnerships with the Indonesian government and institutions to lead the future AAM ecosystem."
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