Supernal celebrates first official FBO partnership as it prepares for 2028 entry into service
October 24, 2024
Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company, Supernal, is collaborating with Clay Lacy Aviation to develop an FBO network for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) operations.
The two companies announced their partnership at the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA’s) Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (BACE), which is currently taking place in Las Vegas.
The five-year agreement will see the two companies develop end-to-end operational plans for integrating AAM into Clay Lacy’s existing FBO and airport infrastructure. The focus will be on developing standards and procedures for ground handling, MRO and battery management. With the availability of infrastructure “critical to scaling the AAM industry,” according to Diana Cooper, Supernal chief partnerships and policy officer, the collaboration between the two entities will help ensure the “ecosystem is thoughtfully designed for future commercial eVTOL operations.”
Initially, work will evolve around Clay Lacy’s two Southern California FBO locations: Orange County and Van Nuys. Subsequent phases will see best practices and learnings rolled out across its wider FBO network.
Exploring commercial AAM services with Blade
In line with Supernal’s plans to deliver its first eVTOL vehicles to operators in 2028, the eVTOL developer has also revealed a partnership with Blade Air Mobility at this year’s NBAA-BACE, to explore commercial AAM services. Under the three-year agreement, Supernal will provide Blade with technological and operational insights, while Blade will provide input on the design of the Supernal aircraft, with a focus on passenger comfort, aircraft design and safety, and the flexibility required for different markets.
“Our goal is to make aviation more accessible by preparing to adopt eVTOL aircraft,” said Melissa Tomkiel, president and general counsel, Blade. “In combining Blade’s expertise with Supernal’s forward-thinking innovations, this partnership is poised to accelerate Advanced Air Mobility development and enable quiet, safe and emission-free transportation.”
