Page 26 - PARIS AIRSHOW 2023 INSIGHT | GBP

however, it’s not possible to scale with them.
AAM will need to become more affordable
than aviation is today if the industry wants
to fulfill its promise. We’re investing time
and resources upfront to ensure our vehicle
reaches an affordable price-point.
Another reason we’ve set a later timeline
than most is because Supernal, as part of
Hyundai Motor Group, understands the vehi-
cle is only one piece of a much larger mobility
puzzle. We’re using these early years to lay
the groundwork to ensure AAM is technically,
regulatorily and commercially feasible. This
includes addressing airspace integration,
physical infrastructure, energy grid require- become commonplace in daily life for many. We are advocating
ments and so much more. We’re also working for and working to develop safety systems that mimic commercial
to serve as an industry resource to help local, aviation’s. This is step one in earning the public’s trust.
state, federal and international governments
understand what AAM is and how they can
begin a positive cycle of planning. Q The company intends to start operations, like most others,

We’re also working with fleet operators to with a piloted aircraft. When, in your opinion, will autonomous
help inform our product and business plan, flight become the norm?
which will help make Supernal’s vehicle an I don’t know the answer to this. I believe autonomous flight will
attractive business opportunity when the time become a reality at some point, but there’s a lot of work to be
comes to secure orders. Also in this realm, done across industry and government. For Supernal, our focus is
we are exploring a “Turn-Key UAM Market on launching piloted operations. We will consider autonomous
Solution” for a sustainable competitive advan- operations only when the regulations and public are ready for it.
tage to future customers/operators, above
and beyond the vehicle. This could include
financing and insurance platforms; ESG plan;
operational data network, etc. Q Currently, the weight of batteries limits the range of eVTOL
aircraft. Do you foresee improvements in battery technology
to make medium to long-range commuting by eVTOLs viable?

Q Does the company have plans beyond At Supernal, we are actively advancing our own battery technol-
the US? Are you open to partnering with ogy to support the viability of medium to long-range commuting
by eVTOLs. By focusing on research and development, we aim to
other UAM operators in other regions? optimize the balance of safety, power, energy, cycle life, charge
We believe AAM will be integrated in com- time, and cost effectiveness specific to AAM requirements. These
munities globally with time. We are engaging advancements will play a key role in driving the growth and
with partners and stakeholders around the integration of AAM, making eVTOLs a sustainable and reliable
world. A key part of this, however, is harmo- mode of transportation.
nization of certification and safety standards,
which Supernal fully supports.
Q How do you see the UAM market developing over the next
two decades?
Q What is Supernal doing to increase public In the next two decades, we see the AAM market developing as
awareness and acceptance of Advanced Air a collaborative ecosystem that complements existing transpor-
Mobility operations? Do you think public tation systems. Our goal is for AAM/eVTOLs to work alongside
acceptance will come easy? traditional modes of transport, filling gaps and enhancing capac-
ity in strained transit networks. Our focus is to provide a reliable
Regulations, battery strength and public and convenient option for everyday transportation needs, pri-
acceptance are three of the largest hurdles oritizing passenger experience, regulatory advancements, and
AAM faces. Public acceptance is incredibly infrastructure development. Through strategic partnerships and
important and is rooted in safety. The indus- technological innovations, we aim to drive the growth and inte-
try’s collaboration and commitment to safety gration of AAM, shaping the future of transportation for the
is the reason why commercial aviation has benefit of all.

26 | PARIS AIRSHOW 2023 INSIGHT ∙ JUNE 2023 WWW.GBP.COM.SG