Government Commits to Support Jeju Island’s Air Taxi Pilot Program

JEJU CITY: The South Korean government has announced its commitment to support a pioneering air taxi pilot program on Jeju Island, anticipated to commence in 2025. This initiative is a collaboration between the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and an urban air mobility (UAM) consortium, including major corporations such as SK Telecom Co. and Hanwha Systems Co. According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport unveiled several support measures for the air taxi project during a policy forum on Jeju Island, attended by President Yoon Suk Yeol. The planned vertiports for air taxi operations will be located at Jeju International Airport, Seongsan Port in Seogwipo, and the Jungmun Tourist Complex. These sites will serve as the primary hubs for testing the safety and commercial potential of the UAM service. The pilot program aims to explore the use of air taxis in both public and general transportation, with a particular focus on emergency medical services. Jeju authorities i ntend to apply for UAM pilot operation zone designations in 2025, setting the stage for further regulatory development based on the pilot's outcomes. Aircraft supplied by Joby Aviation, a U.S. air taxi developer involved in the consortium, will be utilized during the pilot phase. Additionally, aircraft from local entities like Hyundai Motor Group and Hanwha Systems are slated for deployment once the project transitions to full commercial operations, projected to start in 2028. The project also aims to enhance local tourism by integrating air taxi services into the island's offerings, drawing inspiration from helicopter tours in destinations like Hawaii. A ministry official expressed optimism about the project's potential to boost local tourism and spur the growth of Korea's nascent UAM market.