The consortium known as the "K-UAM Dream Team," comprised of SK Telecom, Korea Airports Corporation, Hanwha Systems, and T Map Mobility, has announced a significant development on May 23.
They have entered into a business agreement with Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, to advance the Southern Coast Tourism Urban Air Mobility (UAM) project.
Having previously established UAM project collaborations with Jeju Island in September and Daegu City in October of last year, the K-UAM Dream Team aims to expedite UAM commercialization by 2025, as per the government's initiative. This time, their focus lies in establishing a UAM cooperation system with Gyeongsangnam-do.
Notably, the K-UAM Dream Team intends to incorporate the UAM-based transportation system and business model into the South Coast Tourism Belt Project, a government-led initiative. By doing so, they aim to bolster governmental policies at a private level, foster the development of the UAM industry base, and create an ecosystem in the South Coast region.
The responsibilities within the South Coast tourism UAM project are divided among the consortium members. SK Telecom takes charge of operating an AI-based comprehensive UAM service, establishing a dedicated commercial communication network for UAM, and introducing aircraft from US-based Joby Aviation.
Korea Airports Corporation is responsible for constructing a UAM vertiport, connecting it to the south coast tourism belt, and providing UAM traffic management services utilizing existing air navigation infrastructure.
Hanwha Systems leads the development, manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) of UAM airframes. They also supply UAM traffic management solutions optimized for the topography and coastline specific to tourism lines.
T Map Mobility focuses on developing and operating a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform that integrates UAM with ground transportation services.
Through this agreement, the Dream Team and Gyeongsangnam-do aim to cultivate a high-value tourism industry that combines the natural environment with futuristic aviation services.
They envision the southern coast, often referred to as the Mediterranean of the East, to evolve into a global tourist destination, thereby stimulating the local economy.
As major countries such as the US, UK, France, and Japan are actively pursuing UAM commercialization to address traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions, Korea is also preparing for UAM commercialization. This year marks the initiation of a demonstration project, which serves as a stepping stone towards achieving this goal.
The K-UAM Dream Team participating in the demonstration project will closely verify the technical safety of aircraft, traffic management, infrastructure, etc. and the integrated operation of each element so that it can be safely operated in an urban environment, leading the commercialization of UAM in 2025.
