Hyundai's electric air taxi can take off as early as 2028 in US
The Straits Times|November 08, 2024
S'pore's CAAS working with Asia regulators on toolkits for air taxi, drone commercial ops
Toh Yong Chuan
Hyundai's electric air taxi can take off as early as 2028 in US

IRVINE, California — A commercial air taxi service backed by South Korean car giant Hyundai can start as early as 2028.

Its initial markets could include the US, where an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi prototype is being developed; and South Korea, where Hyundai is headquartered.

However, the expansion of its air taxi services to other countries, including Singapore, will depend on the regulators of the various countries.

The latest timeline for the Hyundai electric air taxi was disclosed at a media briefing on Nov 6 in Irvine, California, at the engineering headquarters of Supernal, the Hyundai subsidiary developing the aircraft.

Supernal in January unveiled its S-A2 electric flying taxi, which is a hybrid between a helicopter and light aircraft.

The company has started talking to operators interested in the aircraft and prototype flight testing is scheduled for 2026. This will be followed by certification and delivery of the first units in 2028, Supernal senior director of strategy and commercialisation David Rottblatt said at the briefing.

"It is an ambitious timeline," he said, but added that it can be achieved with discipline and funding from Hyundai.

Supernal's aircraft has a pilot and seats for four passengers.

It has a range of about 100km and it can cruise at 190kmh at an altitude of 457m, according to official data on Supernal's website. It has eight tilting rotors powered by 16 battery packs.

Esta historia es de la edición November 08, 2024 de The Straits Times.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición November 08, 2024 de The Straits Times.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE THE STRAITS TIMESVer todo
SHINING LIGHTS AT MUSEUM GALA
The Straits Times

SHINING LIGHTS AT MUSEUM GALA

American actress Blake Lively, model Kaia Gerber and reality TV star Kim Kardashian took pictures under the lights, posing against a backdrop of more than 200 restored street lamps from Urban Light, an installation by American artist Chris Burden that served as a stand-in for a red carpet.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 08, 2024
The Straits Times

Body of One Direction star Liam Payne flown home to Britain

BUENOS AIRES - The father of former One Direction star Liam Payne, who fell to his death from a Buenos Aires hotel balcony in October, began repatriating the singer's body to Britain on Nov 6, a police source told AFP.

time-read
1 min  |
November 08, 2024
Live streamers apologise to Chan Brothers for online statements against the travel agency
The Straits Times

Live streamers apologise to Chan Brothers for online statements against the travel agency

More Singapore-based live streamers have reached a private settlement with Chan Brothers Travel and issued public apologies for the online statements made against the local tour agency's services.

time-read
1 min  |
November 08, 2024
US presidential election: A-listers fail to win votes for Kamala Harris
The Straits Times

US presidential election: A-listers fail to win votes for Kamala Harris

LOS ANGELES - A raft of celebrities - from American singers Taylor Swift and Beyonce to actors George Clooney and Harrison Ford - proved unable to prevent Ms Kamala Harris' crushing defeat in the United States presidential election, underlining the limited impact of sweeping star endorsements on voters.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 08, 2024
The Straits Times

SOLE MATE: BIRKENSTOCK'S FOOT-CARE LINE

Birkenstock's new foot-care products with skin-loving ingredients. PHOTO: BIRKENSTOCK

time-read
1 min  |
November 08, 2024
Prada Outpaces fashion rivals on Miu Miu's Gen Z appeal
The Straits Times

Prada Outpaces fashion rivals on Miu Miu's Gen Z appeal

UNITED STATES - Prada defied a luxury industry slump last quarter as fashion fans snapped up Miu Miu's Arcadie handbags and cashmere cardigans.

time-read
1 min  |
November 08, 2024
Go ahead, paint on my designer bag
The Straits Times

Go ahead, paint on my designer bag

Luxury handbags have become the canvas of choice for artists and art lovers

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 08, 2024
AROMA ALCHEMY: TIGER BALM'S AROMATHERAPY LOTIONS
The Straits Times

AROMA ALCHEMY: TIGER BALM'S AROMATHERAPY LOTIONS

For generations, Tiger Balm has been Asia's secret weapon - grandma's cure-all in a jar, packed with herbal goodness that can tackle anything from a stubborn headache to post-workout aches.

time-read
1 min  |
November 08, 2024
K-BEAUTY 'HANOK': KSISTERS' NEW LIFESTYLE STORE
The Straits Times

K-BEAUTY 'HANOK': KSISTERS' NEW LIFESTYLE STORE

Stepping into Ksisters' first boutique in Wheelock Place feels like entering a slice of Seoul.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 08, 2024
BUSY 2025 AWAITS TAN
The Straits Times

BUSY 2025 AWAITS TAN

Boccia star will start preparations for new season in December after two-week break

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 08, 2024