South Korean start-up launches air taxi service for public, A new aviation venture in South Korea, known as Vonaer, is undergoing testing to offer helicopter taxi services between the airport and the Gangnam neighborhood of Seoul. This service aims to drastically reduce travel time from over two hours to just 20 minutes. The Vonaer service will operate once an hour, with a one-way flight costing 440,000 won ($320).
In addition to the helicopter taxi service, Vonaer is also providing charter services nationwide, including trips from Seoul to southern Busan, priced at 18 million won ($13,000) for a one-way trip.
Chief Executive Shin Min highlighted the lack of small air transportation businesses in South Korea and the unfamiliarity of urban air services to the public. He assured the safety of the helicopters used by Vonaer and emphasized the experience of their pilots.
Alongside Vonaer, several other South Korean companies are also venturing into the aviation taxi market. Last year, SK Telecom, the country’s largest telecoms provider, partnered with Californian start-up Joby Aviation to showcase an air taxi aimed at addressing congestion problems in South Korea. SK Telecom plans to commence tests of its air taxi next year.
