China-based eVTOL developer, AutoFlight, announced recently a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with South Korean helicopter operator, UI Helijet, to develop Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations in South Korea, reports a press release.
AutoFlight has developed the five-seat Prosperity 1 eVTOL aircraft, which has a cruising speed of 200 km/h and a flight range of 250 km on a single battery charge. The company aims to gain certification for its passenger eVTOL next year, where full-scale commercialisation will then follow.
In April, the company received Type Certificate for its two-ton-class cargo eVTOL from China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC). Four months later AutoFlight secured a large multi-million dollar investment from Fortune Global 500 battery developer, CATL.
During the signing agreement, Kellen Xie, Senior VP of AutoFlight, commented, “South Korea is one of the most proactive countries in the urban and regional air mobility industry. We look forward to creating both an innovative AAM and UAM (Urban Air Mobility) service model by collaborating with aviation expert, UI Helijet.”
UI Helijet was founded in 1961 and is seen as a pioneering force within South Korea’s aviation industry. Its business is centred within the helicopter sector.
Prosperity flying over China’s Yangtze River in August (credit: AutoFlight)
A company statement says, “Over the years, we have built extensive operational expertise in public aviation services, including the operation of air ambulance and wildfire surveillance helicopters. Additionally, we manage a 115,700 m² MRO centre equipped for flight testing, aircraft maintenance, and overhauls, providing a strong foundation for our expansion into the UAM and AAM industry.”
Gun Chang, CEO of UI Helijet, added, “Although, we are not directly involved in AAM projects at the moment, no other country in this field is as proactive as the Korean government. We hope to contribute to the development of this aviation sector by participating in both government-led UAM and AAM projects, utilising UI Helijet’s expertise in air transport operations, MRO, airworthiness for foreign aircraft, and pilot and maintenance technician training.”
Both companies aim to build a long-term partnership to jointly respond to the rapid evolving aerospace mobility industry by exploring ways to introduce the Prosperity eVTOL aircraft into the South Korean market.
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