Supernal, Hyundai Motor Group's advanced air mobility company, has inked two MoUs with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), to further develop AAM capabilities and expertise in Singapore and the Asia Pacific region. The partnerships will drive a variety of activities such as developing research and development initiatives; identifying potential use cases; exchanging information to support safety regulatory framework and standards development; and driving public engagement for AAM.

Supernal and the EDB will focus on identifying opportunities to enable R&D activities that can build capabilities in key eVTOL technology areas, and will also share knowledge and resources to support the development of AAM operational strategies. This includes conducting market analyses and viability studies to assess the feasibility of AAM in Singapore and focuses on identifying unique applications in Singapore and the Asia Pacific region. Both organisations will also evaluate the requirements needed to establish a presence in Singapore and collaborate on feasibility studies concerning operational-readiness activities, such as assembly, vehicle operations, and MRO.

Supernal and the CAAS will exchange information to support CAAS' development of a framework for aircraft certification, validation, acceptance and entry into service, and for shaping interoperability requirements at vertiports to support seamless integration of ground and air operations. They will also explore developing standards for AAM infrastructure, charging and electrical energy storage solutions, airworthiness of aircraft and components, and operations, as well as coordinating efforts with other AAM ecosystem stakeholders to raise public understanding of AAM.

"With the Asia Pacific region's growing prominence in the aviation industry, we see the area as vital to advanced air mobility's future," says Jaiwon Shin, president of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal. "These partnerships mark the latest in Supernal's growing list of collaborations that are designed to advance its mission of making AAM an efficient and reliable option for everyday transportation. Such partnerships will not only allow us to contribute to AAM's development and growth while deepening ties with key stakeholders, but they are also essential for using AAM as a catalyst to fuel sustainable economic growth in one of the world's fastest-growing markets.

"Working with EDB and CAAS exemplifies how collaboration between government and industry can help make AAM a reality. Our approach is to develop mutually beneficial partnerships like these to create a tenable business and operational case for stakeholders across the value chain, from manufacturers and regulators to operators and passengers. Insights from both entities will maximise outcomes and prove the value of AAM, especially in a forward-thinking market like Singapore."

Jacqueline Poh, managing director, Singapore Economic Development Board, adds: "Advanced air mobility has the potential to be a new and exciting niche in Singapore's aerospace sector, creating good business opportunities while also opening new alternatives for getting around the region. As one of Asia's leading aerospace ecosystems, Singapore offers global companies established capabilities, and a strong talent pool, to undertake a spectrum of activities across research and development, manufacturing, and maintenance, repair and overhaul. We are delighted to partner with Supernal and welcome more players to join us as we grow the AAM ecosystem here."

CAAS director general Han Kok Juan says: "The development and deployment of AAM will require new rules and regulations that allow us to leverage technology while ensuring security and public and aviation safety. Collaboration among regulators and with industry to pool expertise and resources, and to identify and mitigate risks, will help us put in place the necessary regulatory requirements in a more effective and efficient manner. In November last year, CAAS convened the first ever meeting of Asia Pacific regulators and engagement with industry for this purpose. The CAAS-Supernal MoU builds on this and is a pathfinder for the larger effort."