Summary:
Supernal, Hyundai's eVTOL startup, has paused its aircraft program due to executive departures and staff cuts.
CEO Jaiwon Shin and CTO David McBride have left the company, impacting leadership and operations.
The company relocated headquarters and laid off 5% of its workforce last year, signaling internal restructuring.
Supernal had partnered with industry players and aimed to launch its eVTOL aircraft by 2028 for urban air mobility.
Future plans are under assessment by new leadership, with no immediate comment from Hyundai or Supernal.
Supernal's eVTOL Program on Hold After Key Executive Departures
Hyundai's electric air taxi startup, Supernal, has temporarily halted work on its aircraft program following recent staff reductions and the departure of its CEO and chief technology officer, as reported by TechCrunch. This development raises questions about the future of urban air mobility.
Details of the Executive Shake-Up
Supernal announced the departure of CEO Jaiwon Shin late last week. Additionally, David McBride, the CTO, has also left the company, according to sources familiar with the matter. Shin was appointed CEO when Supernal was established in the U.S. in 2021, playing a pivotal role in its early development.
Company Response and Future Plans
Supernal and Hyundai have not immediately responded to requests for comment on these changes. Regarding the timeline for commercial service, Supernal stated that the newly appointed leadership will assess and determine the optimal path forward. The company declined to comment specifically on McBride's departure.
Background and Recent Challenges
Last year, Supernal relocated its global headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Irvine, California, and laid off approximately 5% of its workforce. Despite these challenges, the company had previously partnered with a private jet charter firm and a passenger helicopter operator to develop its air taxi infrastructure. Supernal had ambitious plans to launch its five-seat, battery-powered electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft by 2028 for commercial intra-city passenger journeys.
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