In a significant move towards advancing the air mobility industry, PLANA, a prominent developer of hybrid advanced air mobility (AAM) eVTOL aircraft, has recently announced its partnership with Hi-Air, a leading commercial air carrier based in South Korea.
The collaboration aims to supply 30 cutting-edge AAM aircraft to Hi-Air, revolutionizing the transportation sector in the country.
30 CP-01 eVTOL aircraft
Under the Letter of Intent (LOI) signed between PLANA and Hi-Air, PLANA will provide Hi-Air with its hybrid-electric AAM aircraft, known as CP-01, starting from the year 2030.
The initial delivery will comprise 10 aircraft scheduled for 2031, with the remaining 20 to follow suit at a later date. This strategic agreement demonstrates PLANA’s commitment to shaping the future of air travel in South Korea.
Notably, PLANA has already secured similar LOIs with Ghenus Air in the United States and SkyTaxi in Japan, signifying its growing presence in the global AAM market. The company is actively expanding its reach and solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
Hi-Air, South Korea’s primary small-scale air operator license holder for small-scale air transport services, stands at the forefront of this transformative partnership.
About Hi-Air
Established in 2019, Hi-Air commenced operations from Ulsan Airport and currently operates flights to Gimpo, Muan, Suncheon, and Jeju. In 2022, Hi-Air achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first commercial air carrier in South Korea to transport over 500,000 passengers.
The company has recently introduced a new route connecting Muan and Kitakyushu, Japan, further expanding its network.
Building upon their shared vision for the future of air mobility, PLANA and Hi-Air will collaborate under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop innovative business models for passenger and cargo transportation, capitalizing on the capabilities of the AAM aircraft.
By leveraging their respective expertise in aircraft operation and development, the two companies aim to create synergies that will revolutionize the way people and goods are transported.
Management comments
Jinmo Lee, Chief Product Officer (CPO) of PLANA, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership with Hi-Air, acknowledging the latter’s status as a leading small-scale air operator in South Korea.
Lee emphasized that this collaboration would bolster PLANA’s position in the AAM market and significantly contribute to the growth and development of the South Korean air mobility industry as a whole.
Echoing Lee’s sentiments, Joseph Kim, CEO of Hi-Air, expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential to pioneer a new era of air mobility in South Korea.
By combining PLANA’s cutting-edge technology with Hi-Air’s industry expertise, the collaboration aims to create an entirely new air mobility market, offering enhanced convenience and efficiency to travelers and cargo transporters alike.
About PLANA
PLANA is a hybrid-based AAM eVTOL developer. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), a concept that encompasses both Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Regional Air Mobility (RAM), is gaining traction as a new mode of transportation to connect areas not served by traditional air services.
PLANA is developing an aircraft that reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 80% compared to conventional helicopters.
With a range of 500 kilometers, and a payload to fit a pilot and up to six passengers. PLANA is currently testing and validating a scaled-down aircraft.
The company recently opened two offices in the USA and is working on the FAA certification while expanding its global ecosystem.
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