PLANA, a leading developer of hybrid advanced air mobility (AAM) eVTOL aircraft, announced today the signing of a LOI with Hi-Air, a prominent South Korean commercial air carrier, for the supply of 30 AAM aircraft.
As per the LOI, PLANA will provide Hi-Air with its hybrid-electric AAM aircraft, CP-01, starting from 2030. The initial batch of 10 aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2031, with the remaining 20 to follow at a later stage.
This agreement with Hi-Air adds to PLANA's existing LOIs with Ghenus Air in the United States and SkyTaxi in Japan, where they have committed to supplying 20 and 50 aircraft respectively, since last year.
Hi-Air holds the leading small-scale air operator license for small-scale air transport services in South Korea. Established in 2019, the company commenced operations from Ulsan Airport and currently serves destinations such as Gimpo, Muan, Suncheon, and Jeju. In 2022, Hi-Air became the first commercial air carrier in South Korea to surpass 500,000 cumulative passengers. Recently, the company initiated a new route connecting Muan and Kitakyushu, Japan.
Under the MOU, PLANA and Hi-Air will collaborate to develop business models for passenger and cargo transportation based on the AAM aircraft. By leveraging their respective expertise in aircraft operation and development, the two companies aim to create synergies that will drive innovation in the air mobility industry.
Jinmo Lee, Chief Product Officer of PLANA, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating,
"We are excited to collaborate with Hi-Air, a leading small-scale air operator in South Korea. This partnership will not only bolster our position in the AAM market but also contribute to the growth of the South Korean air mobility industry."
Joseph Kim, CEO of Hi-Air, shared his confidence in the partnership, saying, "We believe that this collaboration will pave the way for a new era of air mobility in South Korea. By combining PLANA's cutting-edge technology with Hi-Air's industry expertise, we aim to create a new air mobility market that will benefit our customers and the broader community."
The partnership between PLANA and Hi-Air represents the commitment of both companies to drive innovation and shape the future of transportation in South Korea.
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