Hyundai Group’s new brand, Supernal, revealed the cabin of its future five-seater electric aircraft for 2028.

From the electric car like the Ioniq 6 to trucks and robots, Hyundai continues to surprise in mobility. Over recent years, the South Korean group has invested in flying machines through Supernal.

An Automotive Inspiration

Supernal is Hyundai’s new entity for eVTOLs. eVTOLs are aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing, a kind of helicopter without rotors but with electric propulsion. Here, the brand chose the Farnborough International Airshow to showcase the cabin of its future urban aircraft.

Supernal relies on biomimicry to design its machine. Specifically, the eVTOL draws inspiration from the butterfly—its shape and doors opening vertically reminiscent of insect wings. Inside, a maximum of five people, including the pilot, are seated in an environment inspired by automobiles. Located at the front, the pilot’s area is ahead of two rows of two seats each. Facing a large screen, the pilot controls the aircraft with two joysticks. Passengers can wait by looking out through large windows, charge their phones, and store their belongings in central consoles.

To reduce weight, Supernal favored carbon fiber reinforced with recyclable thermoplastic. The seats include “vegan leather, recycled fabric, and sustainably sourced wood”.

Will Hyundai Supernal Take to the Skies in 2028?

Hyundai aims to validate its project and obtain the first flight authorizations by 2028. Initially, in the more suitable market of the United States, Supernal hopes to be the first to take off. The eVTOL will then extend into Europe and the United Kingdom.

Yes, much later than projects expected as early as 2023 or the Volocopter’s 2024 flight in Paris. “We are taking the time to design a safe and lightweight eVTOL that offers the same safety and comfort as our cars,” explains Jaiwon Shin, Hyundai’s President and Supernal’s CEO.

The Korean manufacturer is also developing a second model aimed at longer trips, “city-to-city”. This future “hVTOL” will be hydrogen-powered with a fuel cell generating electricity onboard. However, Supernal mentions “the 2030s” as the timeframe for its realization. It’s a serious project, as Hyundai has partnered with Rolls-Royce to design the system, with a demonstrator expected by 2025.

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