Hyundai's Electric Air Taxi Division Supernal Suspends Operations Amid Key Executive Exits

Supernal, the electric aviation subsidiary of automotive giant Hyundai, has temporarily halted development activities on its revolutionary aircraft project following significant leadership changes and workforce reductions, according to report by news agency Reuters.

The urban air mobility company announced the exit of Chief Executive Officer Jaiwon Shin in recent days, as reported by TechCrunch through sources with direct knowledge of the situation. Additionally, Chief Technology Officer David McBride has departed from his position, according to individuals familiar with internal developments.

Key Executives Exit

Shin had served as the company's leader since Supernal's establishment as a United States-based operation in 2021, overseeing the startup's ambitious electric aircraft initiatives.

Notably, both Supernal and its parent company Hyundai have not yet provided responses to media inquiries regarding the situation.

When approached for comment about future commercial operations, Supernal provided a measured reply to TechCrunch: "Newly appointed leadership will assess and determine the optimal timeline moving forward." 

The organisation declined to address specific questions regarding McBride's exit from his technology leadership role.

Geographic Restructuring

The electric aviation firm previously relocated its primary global operations center from the Washington DC metropolitan area to Irvine, California, while simultaneously reducing its total employee count by approximately five per cent.

eVTOL Project Faces Uncertain Future

Supernal had established strategic partnerships with established aviation service providers, including a private jet charter operator and passenger helicopter company, to support infrastructure development for its innovative air taxi network. The company's flagship project involved a five-passenger, battery-powered electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for urban transportation services.

The original development roadmap targeted a 2028 commercial launch date for intra-city passenger transportation services, representing a significant milestone in the emerging urban air mobility sector.