Agreement highlights growing demand for regional air mobility in Asia and beyond
PLANA US, Inc. announced on September 22 that it has signed a letter of intent with VONAER, a Korea-based air mobility service provider, for the delivery of 20 hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The deal outlines the supply of 5 certified aircraft by 2033 and an additional 15 by 2040. With this agreement, PLANA has now secured pre-orders for a total of 127 aircraft, valued at USD 664 million.
Expanding into the U.S. Market
Braden J. Kim, Founder and CEO of PLANA, emphasized the company’s international strategy. “Our company, which was launched in South Korea, has now completed the establishment of a Delaware corporation in the United States and plans to finalize its headquarters relocation to the U.S. within this year to pursue FAA certification, capital raising, and market entry.”
Kim also stressed the importance of VONAER as a strategic partner. “VONAER is a highly influential air mobility service platform provider in Asia. Our aircraft will create a much larger market in a sector currently served by helicopters.”
He noted that the two companies have worked closely since 2023. “VONAER is a partner we signed an MOU in May 2023. We have jointly analyzed the data realistically required by the market and collaborated on how to properly shape the new experience of air travels using VTOLs.”
VONAER’s Role in Air Mobility
VONAER is South Korea’s first urban air mobility (UAM) platform. It has expanded from helicopter-based services to private jets and now eVTOL aircraft, positioning itself as Asia’s first fully integrated aviation mobility platform.
Min Shin, CEO of VONAER, said the partnership marks a significant milestone. “The LOI with PLANA marks a key milestone toward realizing this vision, highlighting how partnerships between manufacturers and operators drive market growth.”
VONAER is developing a hospitality-driven, luxury service platform designed to set the standard for air mobility in Asia. The company is also preparing to expand its services into Europe and the United States. It currently operates heliports in Seoul Jamsil and Incheon Airport, which support both helicopter and private jet services.
PLANA’s Hybrid eVTOL Aircraft
PLANA’s hybrid eVTOL uses a series hybrid power system that combines a certified turbogenerator with a battery system. The aircraft can carry up to six passengers with one pilot and supports Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) and Simplified Vehicle Operation (SVO) technology.
It offers a service range of over 300 miles on a single refueling and a maximum speed above 350 km/h. Its all-electric propulsion system reduces noise to one-hundredth the level of a helicopter, supporting greater community acceptance.
The hybrid design also allows the aircraft to use existing infrastructure, such as helicopter pads, which could speed adoption in emerging urban and regional air mobility markets.
Read more:
- South Korea Moves Full Speed Ahead on Advanced Air Mobility: PLANA, Hi-Air Ink Deal for 30 AAM Aircraft
- Home of South Korea’s Version of CES: Daegu City’s Drive to Be an International Tech Hub
- Are Community Leaders Ready for Air Taxis and AAM? AAM4Gov Provides the Background Decision Makers Need
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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