Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), South Korea’s primary military aircraft manufacturer, has announced a landmark $723 million agreement to supply critical components for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The deal, inked with Eve Air Mobility, a subsidiary of the Brazilian aerospace conglomerate Embraer S.A., marks a significant pivot towards the private sector for KAI.
Under the terms of the agreement, KAI will provide pylons for Eve’s eVTOLs. These structures are essential for supporting the aircraft’s electric power setup and its eight lift propellers, crucial for the operation of these eco-friendly aerial vehicles. KAI’s commitment extends for the duration of the aircraft’s production lifecycle.
This contract represents a strategic move for KAI to diversify and strengthen its capabilities in the autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) sector. “We aim to boost our global competitiveness in the AAV market by leveraging our three decades of expertise in civil aircraft structure design and manufacturing,” stated KAI CEO Kang Goo-young.
The timing aligns with KAI’s recent announcement of a 150 billion won investment in AAV development, which underscores the company’s commitment to advancing this innovative technology. Eve Air Mobility’s eVTOL, set for commercial launch in 2026, will accommodate six passengers and is designed for urban air mobility, particularly in air taxi services in the US and Brazil. The aircraft is expected to have a range of 100 kilometers.
In addition to the deal with KAI, Eve has established partnerships with other major aerospace firms for different components of the eVTOL, including BAE Systems for the energy storage systems and Liebherr-Aerospace for the flight control actuators.
KAI’s expansion into the private aircraft sector and its ongoing collaborations with global aerospace leaders like Embraer highlight the company’s pivotal role in shaping the future of urban air mobility.
