Joby Aviation completes landmark demonstration flights in Korea’s K-UAM Grand Challenge

Joby Aviation has marked a significant milestone, becoming the first company to complete electric air taxi demonstration flights in Korea as part of the K-UAM Grand Challenge. The program, launched by Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), is designed to accelerate the commercialisation of urban air mobility in the region. These historic flights were conducted at the Goheung Aviation Test Center in South Jeolla Province, advancing the future of sustainable air travel in both urban hubs and remote regions like Jeju Province.

The series of test flights showcased Joby’s electric air taxi in various operational scenarios, including fully wing-borne flight, a critical capability for efficient air taxi operations. Joby also demonstrated its ability to work with Korean partners on technologies such as traffic management and vertiport operations Korea requires for commercial air mobility.

This achievement is part of Joby’s role in the K-UAM Dream Team, a consortium that includes leading Korean companies like SK Telecom, Hanwha Systems, TMAP, and Korea Airports Corporation, the primary operator of airports in the country. Together, the team aims to establish a robust ecosystem for urban air mobility in Korea, leveraging advanced technologies and industry expertise.

Revolutionising Urban and Remote Connectivity

Joby’s Founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, hailed the successful flights as a pivotal step toward launching electric air taxi services in Korea. He emphasised the immense potential of the technology to save time and improve connectivity in congested cities like Seoul while addressing the transportation challenges posed by natural barriers in remote regions such as Jeju Province.

Hyung Pil Jun, Assistant Minister of Mobility and Motor Vehicles Bureau for Korea, noted that the K-UAM Grand Challenge reflects Korea’s ambition to lead the world in next-generation aviation. He praised Joby and the K-UAM Dream Team for combining advanced electric air taxi technology with Korean innovations in traffic control and vertiport operations Korea is developing to support commercialisation.

Quiet, Efficient, and Green Travel

The Joby aircraft is designed to offer high-speed, sustainable air travel at up to 200 mph with zero operating emissions. Its quiet acoustic profile sets it apart from traditional helicopters, making it ideal for densely populated cities. These features will be showcased at a celebratory event on December 14, hosted by MOLIT, where representatives from the Korean and U.S. governments will observe the aircraft in action.

Global Certification and Market Expansion

Korea is the third country where Joby has received an airworthiness certification for flight demonstrations, following approvals in the United States and Japan. Joby is also progressing towards FAA certification for its aircraft in the U.S., a critical step in its global strategy to revolutionise urban air mobility.

As part of its scaling efforts, Joby recently unveiled its fourth production prototype at its Marina, California facility. These developments align with the company’s mission to lead the industry in sustainable air travel while providing fast, quiet, and efficient mobility solutions.

Building a Korean Air Mobility Ecosystem

Through its role in the K-UAM Dream Team, Joby aims to contribute to Korea’s ambition of becoming a leader in urban air mobility. By integrating its cutting-edge electric air taxi technology with local expertise in vertiport operations Korea is advancing, the company is well-positioned to support the country’s long-term goals.

This milestone sets a strong precedent for the adoption of sustainable air travel, showcasing how electric aviation can transform transportation in urban and rural areas alike.