Incheon International Airport Corporation has completed an integrated operation demonstration of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) connecting Incheon Airport with nearby islands, in collaboration with Korean Air, KT, Hyundai Engineering, and Hyundai Motor. The demonstration assessed UAM traffic management and vertiport operations in a real flight environment near the airport, exploring the feasibility of a government-led initial commercialization model linking airports and local regions.
According to Incheon International Airport Corporation, the UAM flight demonstration took place from October 7 to 20, focusing on the Wangsan Marina and Geojampo areas of Yeongjongdo and Deokjeokdo. This process verified whether new aircraft, traffic management systems, and communication networks could safely operate and integrate in real-world conditions ahead of UAM commercialization.
The demonstration utilized a UAM traffic management system and vertiport operation system developed as part of a national research and development project. The traffic management system confirmed flight plan approvals, aircraft position monitoring, and safety warning functions, while the vertiport operation system checked operational procedures for flight schedules and takeoff pads and stands.
In the aircraft, pilots accessed operational information and surrounding aircraft data through a UAM navigation display. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute also examined the information-sharing system among relevant agencies for safe UAM operations in real flight environments.
This year, the government has been expanding follow-up procedures for the practical application of UAM services. In July, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport conducted an integrated flight demonstration of the K-UAM initial commercialization model, combining tourism and emergency transport in Jeju. Since August, procedures have been underway to designate UAM 'pilot operation zones' for local governments and public institutions.
Last month, Incheon International Airport Corporation revised its 'Incheon Airport Future Aviation Mobility Roadmap.' The plan aims to establish a UAM operational system suited to the airport's operational environment, gradually expanding its application to airport-linked tourism and public services after accumulating experience.
Jo Yong-soo, head of the Operations Division at Incheon International Airport Corporation, stated, "Based on the UAM procedures and technologies verified around Incheon Airport, we will establish a safe operational system for aircraft and UAM. We will prepare to provide UAM services at Incheon Airport in line with the government's K-UAM commercialization roadmap."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.