Kakao Mobility, Archer to collaborate for K-UAM commercialization

South Korea's Kakao Mobility Corp. announced on Friday that it signed an agreement with Archer Aviation, the US-based urban air mobility (UAM) aircraft manufacturer, to commercialize South Korean UAM services on May 28.

The two companies plan to collaborate on the Korean Urban Air Mobility Grand Challenge (K-UAM GC).

They will conduct joint research for the first phase of the K-UAM GC demonstration test, scheduled for the end of this year, utilizing UAM aircraft.

To ensure service commercialization, the two companies aim to carry out a public demonstration flight of Archer's aircraft in the fourth quarter.

Both will work together to develop and review safety and certification standards for UAM aircraft and service operations.

Kakao Mobility has expressed its intent to purchase up to 50 of Midnight aircraft, Archer's next-generation electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle.

Kakao Mobility intends to leverage its platform technology and operational expertise from KakaoT to provide mobility services that encompass both ground and air, aligning with the government's plan to expand UAM services nationwide by 2026.

Write to Eun-Yi Ko at koko@hankyung.com