Hyundai U.S. eVTOL subsidiary lays off almost 80 percent of staff

Hyundai's U.S.-based electric air taxi subsidiary, Supernal, laid off a majority of its staff on Feb. 27. A spokesperson stated that the company laid off a total of 296 people, which is about 80% of its workforce. Supernal has retained a skeleton crew of about 70 to 80 people to continue operations, according to the Air Current. The layoffs affected employees at the Mojave Air and Space Port test facility as well as in Orange County and Fremont. "This decision is a strategic pivot to ensure our staffing and cost structures are optimized for the long-term delivery of our market-aligned aircraft design," the spokesperson said in a statement to the Orange County Register. "Hyundai Motor Group remains committed to the Advanced Air Mobility business as part of its future mobility vision." The company's operations will be consolidated to its Irvine headquarters, which it moved to from Washington, D.C. in 2023, according to the Los Angeles Times. Supernal started test flights for its flagship S-A2 eVTOL last April and was planning for certification in 2028, but has been lagging behind its competitors, according to Flying Magazine. The aircraft's timeline will likely be pushed back as the company has paused its development while it evaluates next steps. RELATED STORIES: Electra secures additional patents for hybrid-electric architecture Bill introduced in House and Senate to improve aircraft certification processArcher partners with Starlink to bring connectivity to Midnight air taxisThe spokesperson stated that Supernal will not be shutting down and that Hyundai is still committed to advanced air mobility as part of its future plans. "Supernal's immediate focus will not be impacted by this decision and remains on stabilizing the company, shaping a new business model, and developing a commercially viable aircraft," said the spokesperson.