According to foreign media reports, on July 29th, Hyundai and Kia showcased their advanced air traffic services at Samarinda Airport in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, demonstrating aircraft and ride hailing processes.
Officials from the Indonesian Ministry of Transport and the Urban Authority of the capital Nusantara attended the demonstration, where Hyundai explained how the company has developed the shared mobility application Shucle and dedicated aircraft to adapt to local customers' situations and further provide better travel options in the future.
Hyundai and Kia have explained to Indonesian government officials how to use Shucle to book, call, and pay for ground or air travel services. Subsequently, representatives of Hyundai Motor experienced the electric bus County tailored by Hyundai for this demonstration and demonstrated how the bus transported passengers to their destination, the hangar.
In terms of flight demonstrations, Hyundai and Kia used the Optional Piloted Personal Air Vehicle (OPPAV) developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. Hyundai and Kia participated in the development of the electric power system for the aircraft.
OPPAV flew about two kilometers after takeoff and safely landed at its destination according to the flight route agreed upon with Indonesian authorities in advance.
Indonesia consists of 18000 islands, and due to difficulties in developing land transportation, this Southeast Asian country is considered to have great potential in developing advanced air transportation.
Hyundai also showcased a miniature version of the S-A2 aircraft, which made its debut at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January of this year. The S-A2 was developed by Supernal, a US company specializing in advanced air traffic, with the goal of commercializing flying taxi services by 2028.
According to Hyundai Motor, Indonesian officials have shown strong interest in the S-A2 and have inquired about the aircraft's design and performance specifications.
Kim Cheol ung, Vice President and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Business Development Officer of Hyundai Motor Group, said, "To establish a foothold in the future air traffic field, it is not only necessary to develop aircraft, but also to cooperate with the entire aviation industry. Supernal, Hyundai Motor, and Kia will continue to conduct research and development with the goal of commercializing AAM business by 2028, while maintaining strategic alliances with the Indonesian government and institutions to lead the future AAM ecosystem