South Korean telco SK telecom Co. is set to advance the commercialization of urban air mobility (UAM), making a significant move by joining hands with global UAM aircraft manufacturer Joby Aviation, the company said Sunday.

UAM represents a mobility service based on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, promising to alleviate urban traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions by offering aerial transportation integrated with ground mobility.

The partnership is a step toward the commercialization of Korean-style UAM, aligning with the K-UAM Grand Challenge, a demo project.

The signing ceremony was attended also by stakeholders including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, and the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology.

Participants discussed the demo project, future commercialization plans, and policy cooperation.

SK telecom and Joby Aviation plan to leverage their expertise in technology, infrastructure, and human resources to ensure the safe operation of UAM in Korea.

Verification of safe operations is scheduled to take place next year, utilizing Joby Aviation’s S4 aircraft at the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology (KIAST) in Goheung, South Jeolla Province.

SK telecom also intends to test the communication quality using its 4G and 5G-based UAM-specific aerial network.

The partnership is especially notable because it signifies SK telecom’s commitment to secure reliable aircraft for the commercialization of UAM in Korea by 2025, a crucial milestone in the industry.

Successful UAM commercialization necessitates certification from global authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

SK telecom has strategically invested $100 million in Joby Aviation and plans to introduce Joby Aviation aircraft into Korea next year.

The company aims to combine UAM with artificial intelligence (AI) technology to usher in an era of AI Mobility, transforming the way people commute.

“We plan to introduce world-class UAM aircraft next year to verify safe operation capabilities,” said SK telecom Chief Development Officer (CDO) Ha Min-yong. “SK telecom will continue to lead the way in transforming the mobility paradigm by integrating UAM with AI technology.”

By Lee Sang-duk and Minu Kim

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