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Plana Secures Major Order For 20 Hybrid Evtol Aircraft From Korean Air Mobility Leader
PLANA Secures Pre-Order for 20 Hybrid eVTOL Aircraft from VONAER, Paving the Way for Regional Air Mobility in Asia and Beyond
A significant development has been announced by PLANA US, Inc., a leading manufacturer of hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company has signed a letter of intent with VONAER, a Korea-based air mobility service provider, to deliver 20 eVTOL aircraft. This deal marks an important milestone in the growing demand for regional air mobility services in Asia and beyond.
The agreement, which was announced on September 22, outlines the supply of 5 certified aircraft by 2033 and an additional 15 by 2040. With this pre-order, PLANA has now secured a total of 127 aircraft, valued at approximately USD 664 million. This significant order is a testament to the growing interest in eVTOL technology and its potential to transform the air mobility industry.
Braden J. Kim, Founder and CEO of PLANA, emphasized the company’s international strategy, which aims to expand its operations and services globally. “Our company, which was launched in South Korea, has now completed the establishment of a Delaware corporation in the United States and plans to finalize its headquarters relocation to the U.S. within this year to pursue FAA certification, capital raising, and market entry,” Kim stated.
Kim also highlighted the importance of VONAER as a strategic partner, stating that the company’s aircraft will create a much larger market in a sector currently served by helicopters. “VONAER is a highly influential air mobility service platform provider in Asia. Our aircraft will enable the creation of a new experience for air travel using eVTOLs,” Kim added.
The partnership between PLANA and VONAER dates back to 2023, when the two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in May. Since then, they have worked closely together, analyzing market data and collaborating on how to shape the new experience of air travel using eVTOLs.
VONAER is South Korea’s first urban air mobility (UAM) platform, expanding from helicopter-based services to private jets and now eVTOL aircraft. The company has positioned itself as Asia’s first fully integrated aviation mobility platform, with a focus on hospitality-driven luxury services.
The partnership with PLANA marks an important step in VONAER’s expansion plans, which aim to establish the company as a leading player in the air mobility market. Currently operating heliports in Seoul Jamsil and Incheon Airport, which support both helicopter and private jet services, VONAER is preparing to expand its services into Europe and the United States.
The agreement highlights the growing demand for sustainable air mobility solutions. eVTOL technology offers a promising solution, with its electric propulsion system reducing noise levels by 100 times that of traditional helicopters. The hybrid design of PLANA’s eVTOL aircraft also allows them to use existing infrastructure, such as helicopter pads, which could speed up adoption in emerging urban and regional air mobility markets.
One of the key benefits of eVTOL technology is its reduced noise level compared to traditional helicopters. According to PLANA, their aircraft’s all-electric propulsion system reduces noise levels by 100th that of a helicopter, supporting greater community acceptance and paving the way for widespread adoption in urban areas.
The ability of eVTOLs to fly above noise-restricted airspace also offers significant advantages over traditional helicopters. This flexibility enables operators to serve remote or hard-to-reach areas, where traditional helicopters may not be able to operate due to noise restrictions or infrastructure limitations.
With their hybrid eVTOL aircraft, which offer a unique blend of performance, range, and sustainability, PLANA and VONAER are poised to transform the air mobility industry. As the market for eVTOLs continues to expand, it will be interesting to see how these companies continue to shape the future of urban air mobility.
The partnership between PLANA and VONAER marks an important step towards realizing the vision of urban air mobility in Asia and beyond. With their hybrid eVTOL aircraft and commitment to sustainability, these two companies are well-positioned to lead the way towards a new era of urban air mobility.