Plana to join OneSky’s Future of Flight programme
Plana will take part in OneSky’s Future of Flight programme after the two companies signed a business agreement.
OneSky’s programme is an ecosystem of industry stakeholders that brings partners together to “shorten the time it takes to get to scalable operations”. Currently, more than 20 companies are participating in the programme, including Skyports, Volatus, Echodyne and Supernal — Hyundai’s UAM subsidiary. Plana signed the agreement at its Icheon R&D Center.
Minyoung Ahn, Plana chief strategy officer and co-founder said: “For safe and efficient aviation of AAM aircraft, it is necessary to utilise UTM functions for automation and long-term processes including VFR [visual flight rules]. We expect to be able to acquire various technologies and know-how related to AAM aircraft operation through this cooperation.”
The two companies plan to verify the operational concept of Plana’s CP-01 aircraft, refine the technical roadmap by coordinating technical requirements and explore solutions to AAM industry regulations in various countries.
Robert Hammett, OneSky CEO added: “Through this agreement, OneSky has secured an important partner in the operating of AAM aircraft. We will contribute to the evolving AAM industry by implementing safe aircraft operation through sharing know-how and cooperation between the two companies.”
Earlier this month, Plana signed off on a deal with South Korean commercial air carrier, Hi-Air to supply 30 aircraft. The agreement includes a letter of intent (LoI) focusing on the aircraft order and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which will see the firms explore joint business models for cargo and passenger services.
Meanwhile, the firm also signed a MoU with Gloria Aviation in July to develop a joint business and train AAM industry talent. The agreement will see the two firms establish an education programme and qualification standards for AAM aviation workers, and conduct R&D on maintenance and operation methods for AAM aircraft.
