Hyundai Motor Group has appointed aeronautics engineer Dr Jaiwon Shin as EVP and head of its new urban air mobility division, which aims to reduce long-term ground traffic congestion problems caused by mega-urbanisation.
Shin most recently led the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA, where he shaped the agency’s aeronautics research and development strategy for over 11 years.
He will use his expertise in airframe, engine, aviation safety, and air traffic management systems to develop core technologies for new smart mobility solutions.
“Having worked on cutting-edge aviation research and development at NASA for 30 years, I am very excited and humbled by the opportunity to now shape urban air mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor Group,” said Shin.
“The new team at Hyundai will develop core technologies that will establish the company as a driving force in urban air mobility, a sector that is expected to grow into a market worth US$1.5tn within the next 20 years.”
During his time at NASA, Shin also oversaw a US$725m programme to lead new aeronautics research initiatives, such as supersonic X-plane, electrification of aircraft, UAS traffic management, and urban air mobility.
