The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Saturday that it has agreed to a partnership with the Korea Civil Aviation Authority (KOCA) for the future development and operation of advanced air mobility aircraft.
The US regulator said “The two states signed a declaration on cooperation and information sharing on advanced air mobility projects and on cooperation in supporting safety oversight of advanced air mobility projects”.
Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen said “Working with our international partners to safely integrate these new technologies will create more efficient, sustainable and equitable transportation options”.
The announcement comes as companies around the world race to develop and eventually win regulatory approval to deploy low-altitude air taxis known as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The FAA has previously announced similar partnerships with Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand within the National Aviation Authority Network to harmonize certification and integration plans for advanced air mobility projects.
Airlines and others are focusing on developing transportation services using battery-powered planes that can take off and land vertically and carry passengers to airports or on short trips between cities, allowing them to beat traffic.
Last month, the FAA released the airworthiness criteria that Archer Aviation will have to meet in order for its M001 air taxi to be certified for use. The FAA released public comment criteria for Archer’s eVTOL after making a similar announcement for the Joby Aviation Model JAS4-1 eVTOL in November.
By: Vaishali Verma
