South Korea officially launches "helicopter taxi" service

On June 11, Moviation launched Vonaer - Korea's first urban air mobility (UAM) service, helping to save time for commuters traveling through areas with heavy traffic or geographical features that are not conducive to land travel.

Moviation CEO Shim Min said Vonaer uses chartered helicopters and existing or upcoming heliports. The service offers rides to passengers who book online via a smartphone app.

Accepting bookings every hour, the service platform transports passengers from Jamsil in southern Seoul to Incheon International Airport in just 20 minutes, instead of a trip that takes about two hours by car.

From Jamsil to Yangjae in southern Seoul, a highly congested route that takes about an hour to drive during rush hour, Vonaer takes just five minutes.

Moviation was established in 2022, serving customers not only with transportation but also visiting tourist attractions around Seoul, Incheon as well as the west coast of South Korea and the demilitarized zone of the inter-Korean border area, and also providing delivery services to desired destinations.

The UAM market is still new in Korea and is facing legal barriers set by the country's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

For example, areas above the Han River are designated as off-limits to private carriers, forcing them to take detours and longer routes.

Vonaer has so far largely limited passengers to large companies, with prices starting at $319 for a one-way trip, according to Shin Min.

In the future, as Vonaer increases its service network and shortens the travel time, it will attract more customers and hopes to reduce fares to below 300,000 won (about 200 USD) per person and offer the service to a wider public.