Joyce Lee and Heekyong Yan

SEOUL (Reuters-South Korea) – South Korea showed a control system for urban air mobility (UAM) Thursday. The UAM will soon be used to taxi between major airports in Seoul and downtown Seoul, cutting down travel time by two thirds.

South Korea published a plan last year to launch commercial urban air travel. Transport ministry officials estimate that such services can reduce travel time between 30-50km (19-21 miles) and from one hour to twenty minutes by air.

UAM will soon be a common mode of transport that people use every day, so it’s imperative to test UAM services in different environments, stated Noh Hyeongouk (Transport Minister), who was present at the demonstration.

To demonstrate control and coordination, a pilot flew the two-seat Volocopter model at Seoul’s Gimpo Airport.

This craft is powered by an identical helicopter-like motor for vertical takeoffs and landings. It can also be operated autonomously with no pilot.

A pilot is required to supervise passengers aboard UAMs in order for safety. This, according to a Transport Ministry official. It will also help with acceptance by the public.

South Korean drone pilots also displayed a prototype of their aircraft. Transport ministry officials say that a prototype of full size will begin testing flights next year. They hope to eventually develop an operational five-seat model.

Another technology that was demonstrated included an imaging system to track and locate the aircraft as well as patented lighting systems designed for “vertiports,” where drones can land and takeoff.

The cost of a trip between Incheon International Airport and central Seoul is estimated to be around 110,000 won ($93). This price will rise to $125 for commercial trips starting in 2025. Premium taxis are more costly than regular ones. However, it should drop to about 20,000 won after 2035, when the market matures.

The ministry stated in a statement that Thursday’s test flight proved the system for managing domestic and international air travel at airports could also manage UAM aircraft.

According to the statement, “This shows that UAM operations and existing air traffic operations can coexist.”

(1,178 W)