In-Depth Analysis of the Future of Korean Urban Air Mobility (K-UAM)

A new paradigm in urban transportation is emerging. With the advent of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), we are moving beyond traditional road-based transportation systems into an era of utilizing aerial routes. In particular, the recent K-UAM Confex held in Incheon provided a crucial opportunity to concretely envision this future. This conference presented the possibility that aerial transportation could alleviate traffic congestion and popularize air travel.

Air Charter Korea closely monitors the development of the Korean aviation industry and is at the forefront of leading innovations in personal and urban mobility. In this post, we will explore the groundbreaking potential of UAM and the prospects of Korean Urban Air Mobility (K-UAM).

The Revolutionary Potential of Urban Air Mobility (UAM)

UAM is gaining attention as a key solution to urban traffic congestion. According to research by Google, shifting just 14% of ground traffic to aerial transportation could reduce congestion by up to 90%. The introduction of 'flying cars' or UAM aircraft represents a transformative shift from a two-dimensional transportation system to a three-dimensional one.

Shin Jae-won, head of Hyundai Motor’s UAM division, defined UAM as a 'paradigm shift in transportation,' emphasizing that just as smartphones changed our daily lives, UAM will revolutionize the concept of transportation itself. Currently, more than 200 companies worldwide are engaged in UAM aircraft development, reminiscent of the aviation boom when the Wright brothers invented the airplane.

Key Highlights of K-UAM Confex 2022

The 2022 K-UAM Confex, held under the active support of Incheon City at the Paradise City Hotel in Yeongjong Island, was themed "City.Connected." The event featured exhibits of cutting-edge drones and UAM aircraft, alongside various sessions discussing the practical adoption of air mobility. A notable development was the expansion of the exhibition space, allowing for the presentation of more innovative technologies.

UAM Corridor Design Diagram (Source: Korean Urban Air Mobility (K_UAM) Operation Concept Document 1.0)

Core Technological Innovations Enabling UAM

The conference showcased various technological advancements essential for UAM implementation.

• Korean Air presented hybrid drones for UAM route verification and its self-developed air traffic management system. However, actual flight tests revealed higher-than-expected signal interference issues, highlighting the need for future improvements in communication infrastructure.

• Clover Studio introduced a cloud-based 3D UAM traffic management platform, demonstrating its technological prowess, which has won multiple CES Innovation Awards. The global UAV Traffic Management (UTM) market is expected to grow to KRW 11 trillion by 2023, and Clover Studio is developing a web-based ground control platform for multi-UAV operations to secure its competitiveness in this market.

• Vessel Aerospace unveiled the electric-powered KLA-100 light aircraft, showcasing the potential of the Light Sport Airplane (LSA) market. This aircraft, which allows solo flight with just 20 hours of training, is priced between KRW 200 million and 250 million. Given the limited Korean market, the company is exploring entry into the Chinese market.

• Ludasys introduced an urban UAM vertiport monitoring system, attracting significant interest from international developers. CEO Kim Jin-ho emphasized that existing airport control systems are inadequate for managing urban UAM traffic, making the development of eco-friendly and remotely controlled monitoring and control systems essential.

Korean Air UAM Control System Visualization

Global UAM Development Trends and Market Prospects

The conference featured presentations from major global cities and institutions sharing their UAM adoption cases.

• Los Angeles analyzed wind patterns in urban canyons to determine optimal vertiport locations.

• Munich Airport introduced a vertiport integration model connected to existing airport infrastructure, proposing efficient UAM operations within airport facilities.

• Dubai and France shared their ongoing UAM project experiences and future plans, emphasizing the need for international collaboration.

Optimization of Urban UAM Routes and Market Viability

Kakao Mobility utilized its user data to analyze optimal flight routes for UAM operations. In Seoul, the Gangnam-Yeouido and Gangnam-Hapjeong routes were identified as having the highest expected demand. The fare structure and economic feasibility of these routes are expected to be key issues moving forward. Kakao Mobility suggested that the first commercial UAM route between Gangnam and Yeouido could be launched by 2025.

Conclusion

The 2022 K-UAM Confex was a significant event for assessing the feasibility of introducing urban air mobility. Discussions covered various aspects such as innovative aircraft designs, advanced air traffic control systems, and optimal infrastructure strategies, highlighting Korea’s potential to lead the UAM industry.

Air Charter Korea continues to monitor these developments closely and seeks opportunities to innovate personal and urban mobility. Moving forward, we will persist in our research and collaborations to help make urban air mobility a reality in Korea.