SAMARINDA, INDONESIA — Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp., South Korea's leading automakers, conducted a public demonstration of their new integrated air taxi service technology on Monday at Samarinda Airport, near Indonesia's planned new capital of Nusantara. This event highlights the companies' advancement in air mobility solutions and their commitment to innovating transportation in challenging environments.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the demonstration aimed to showcase the potential of their Shucle service, a demand-responsive air transport solution designed to adapt to real-world user needs in regions like Indonesia, where geographical challenges hinder road infrastructure development. The event attracted officials from Indonesia's transport ministry and the Nusantara Capital City Authority, as well as representatives from Hyundai and Kia. Attendees experienced the Shucle service first-hand, which operated using the Korea Aerospace Research Institute's Oppav air vehicle, powered by Hyundai's technology. The Oppav completed a flight of approximately 2 kilometers, demonstrating its capability along a predetermined route.
Hyundai and Kia are actively collaborating with the Nusantara Capital City Authority to develop a localized advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem. This partnership includes various initiatives aimed at integrating AAM solutions within Nusantara, validating transportation concepts, and conducting further local demonstrations to refine the technology for widespread application.