On May 20, Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) announced the start of a project to develop core technologies for a Korean-style Urban Air Mobility (UAM) safety operation system. This project, ordered by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, aims to establish a foundation for revitalizing urban air traffic.
KAC plans to develop an integrated operation system for UAM Vertiports by 2026, collaborating with various industry, academia, and research organizations, including Hanwha Systems, Naver Systems, the Aerospace Industry-Academia Convergence Institute, the Korea Information and Communication Technology Association, Korea Aerospace University, and Six Stars.
The UAM Vertiport integrated operating system will leverage new technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital twin to remotely control Vertiports, where UAMs take off, land, and undergo charging and maintenance. This system aims to enhance safety and efficiency.
Since 2022, KAC has been working on developing technology for single Vertiport operation, expected to be completed by 2025. The current project aims to further close the technological gap with global competitors.
Lee Jeong-gi, the acting president of KAC, emphasized the importance of developing this integrated operation system to lead the global UAM industry, stating that the corporation will collaborate with various sectors to create the best system.
