A wider leadership shakeup at Hyundai’s electric air taxi startup Supernal is underway just a few weeks after it paused work on its vehicle program and its CEO and CTO left, TechCrunch has learned.Supernal’s chief strategy officer Jaeyong Song and chief safety officer Tracy Lamb are no longer with the company, the startup confirmed Friday. Lina Yang, the chief of staff to Suprernal’s recently-departed CEO Jaiwon Shin is also out. (Yang had previously served as Supernal’s “Head of Intelligent Systems” until ...

Core Insights - Supernal, Hyundai's electric air taxi startup, has paused its aircraft program following significant leadership changes and staff reductions [1][3][5] - The company had recently conducted its first test flight but was still working towards its first untethered test flight before the pause [2][4] - The departure of CEO Jaiwon Shin and CTO David McBride has raised concerns about the startup's future and its planned commercial service launch in 2028 [3][4][8] Company Developments - Supernal's leadership transition includes David Rottblatt, who is currently overseeing business operations as Interim COO [6] - The company plans to appoint new leadership with expertise in business operations to advance Urban Air Mobility (UAM) solutions [6] - The startup had previously laid off dozens of employees and closed its Washington, D.C. headquarters, indicating ongoing operational challenges [5] Industry Context - The electric air taxi industry is experiencing significant upheaval, with some startups like Joby making progress while others, such as Lillium, have ceased operations [4] - Supernal's struggles mirror those of other Hyundai-backed ventures, such as Motional, which faced major restructuring and layoffs after losing funding from a partner [9][10]

Core Insights - The competition between Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation in the eVTOL market is intensifying, with both companies aiming for FAA certification and market dominance [1][7]. Joby Aviation - Joby is benefiting from the Trump administration's drone executive order, which has led to the establishment of a Federal Task Force and an eVTOL Integration Pilot Program [3]. - The company is optimistic about faster FAA response times but remains cautious about potential changes in certification timelines, targeting TIA testing by early 2026 [3]. - Toyota plays a crucial role in Joby's manufacturing scale-up, with the Marina facility currently capable of producing approximately 24 aircraft per year [4]. - Joby's acquisition of Blade's Passenger business provides exclusive terminal access in New York City and enhances customer booking integration [4]. - A partnership with L3Harris Technologies and plans for a hybrid demo aircraft this fall could serve as catalysts for growth into 2026 [4]. Archer Aviation - Archer is also energized by the drone executive order, aiming for demo deployments in 2026 and scaled operations by 2028, coinciding with the Los Angeles Olympics [5]. - The company is targeting FAA certification by 2027, utilizing dual CTOL and VTOL testing to attract both civil and defense clients [5]. - With Stellantis as a contract manufacturer and major shareholder, Archer aims for a production rate of 50 aircraft annually across Georgia and Silicon Valley [6]. - Unlike Joby, Archer plans to utilize publicly accessible heliports in New York City and collaborate with existing operators [6]. - Archer's partnerships with Anduril and acquisitions of MCC and Overair position it to deliver stealthier, longer-range hybrid VTOLs for government contracts [6]. Comparative Analysis - Joby's strategy focuses on acquisitions and a polished market entry, while Archer emphasizes flexible operations and manufacturing discipline [7]. - The future success of these companies may depend more on their ability to capture lasting market share rather than solely on FAA certification timelines [7].

Core Viewpoint - Joby Aviation intends to acquire Blade Air Mobility's passenger business for up to $125 million in stock or cash, with the deal expected to close in the coming weeks [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition will include Blade's passenger operations in the U.S. and Europe, along with its lounges, terminals, and brand [1] - Blade's medical division will remain independent and will be renamed Strata Critical Medical, continuing its long-term partnership with Joby [1] - Joby will become the preferred vertical takeoff and landing aircraft partner for Blade's organ transport business as part of the deal [1] Group 2: Strategic Implications - Joby's CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, stated that this acquisition is strategically significant for enhancing Joby's commercial operations in Dubai and supporting global expansion plans [1] - The acquisition aims to ensure Joby's continued leadership in the electric air taxi sector [1]

Group 1 - Joby Aviation intends to acquire Blade Air Mobility's passenger business for up to $125 million in stock or cash, with the transaction expected to complete in the coming weeks [1] - Following the announcement, Joby shares rose approximately 5%, while Blade shares surged nearly 29% [1] - The acquisition includes Blade's passenger operations in the US and Europe, lounges, terminals, and the Blade brand, while Blade's medical division will remain independent and rebranded as Strata Critical Medical [1] Group 2 - Joby will become the preferred vertical takeoff and landing aircraft partner for Blade's organ transport business as part of the deal [1] - Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt stated that this strategic acquisition will aid in the successful commercial operations in Dubai and support global expansion plans, ensuring the company's continued leadership in the sector [1]

Core Viewpoint - Joby Aviation is positioning itself to disrupt urban transportation with its electric air taxis, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion in major cities globally [1][11]. Company Overview - Joby Aviation is developing electric air taxis capable of vertical takeoff and landing, designed to operate quietly in residential areas, with a maximum speed of 200 miles per hour and capacity for four passengers [3]. - The company has not yet commenced operations but has made significant progress in manufacturing and testing, with plans to produce 24 air taxis annually from its California facility [4]. Financial Performance - Joby Aviation currently has a market capitalization of $14.8 billion despite generating no revenue, reflecting high investor enthusiasm [2][12]. - The company reported a negative free cash flow of $489 million over the past year and spent $134 million on research and development in the first quarter of 2025 [9]. Partnerships and Market Strategy - Joby Aviation has attracted substantial investments, including $894 million from Toyota Motors, and partnerships with Delta Air Lines and Uber Technologies to integrate air taxi services into existing transportation networks [5]. - The company is expanding its air taxi services beyond New York to cities like Los Angeles, Dubai, Japan, and the United Kingdom, targeting affluent customers in urban areas facing traffic challenges [6]. Future Projections - If Joby Aviation can scale its operations to 200 vehicles by 2030, it could potentially generate $730 million in annual revenue, assuming 20 flights per vehicle per day at an average fare of $500 [12]. - However, the company is unlikely to achieve profitability by 2030 due to high operational costs and ongoing cash burn, raising concerns about its current valuation [13].

Core Insights - Joby Aviation's shares have increased nearly 30% over the past month, driven by positive developments regarding its new hydrogen-powered UAV, the JAI 30 [1][4] - The JAI 30 has reportedly achieved a flight endurance of over nine hours, positioning it among the longest-endurance hydrogen-powered UAVs [2][3] - Joby is conducting test flights for the JAI 30 at the Pendleton UAS Range in Oregon, a significant unmanned aircraft testing center in the U.S. [3][4] Company Developments - Joby Aviation has not publicly announced the JAI 30 model, but evidence suggests active flight operations with ground crews and hydrogen tanks present [2][4] - The company has successfully completed piloted vertical-takeoff-and-landing flights of its electric air taxi in Dubai, aiming for commercial air taxi services by 2026 [5] - Joby Aviation's stock has gained over 50% this year due to a series of positive news catalysts [4][6] Industry Context - The advanced air mobility sector received a boost from FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau's positive comments on integrating new aircraft into U.S. airspace [5][6] - The JAI 30's nine-hour flight time does not surpass the 30-hour record set by a lighter Chinese UAV, indicating competitive dynamics in the UAV market [3]

Core Viewpoint - Joby Aviation's stock experienced a significant increase due to a new investment from Toyota Motor, which is part of a larger commitment aimed at supporting the company's electric air taxi development [1][2]. Group 1: Investment and Financials - Joby Aviation announced a new investment of $250 million from Toyota Motor, contributing to a total commitment of $500 million from the automotive giant [2]. - The company ended the last quarter with $813 million in cash and equivalents, and the new investment will bolster its balance sheet for product development and certification [4]. - Joby Aviation has burned $489 million in free cash flow over the last 12 months, indicating a limited runway before it may run out of cash [4]. Group 2: Business Model and Market Position - Joby Aviation is developing electric air taxis that utilize vertical takeoff and landing technology, aiming to disrupt the transportation market [3]. - The vehicles are currently under review by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and are not yet approved for flights, which may prolong the certification process [3]. - Despite the potential for significant revenue generation in the future, the company currently generates zero revenue, and its market cap stands at $6.57 billion [6]. Group 3: Stock Performance and Investor Sentiment - Following the announcement of the investment, Joby Aviation's stock surged by as much as 26.8% during the week, although it later gave back some gains [1]. - The stock's current valuation raises concerns about share dilution, as shares outstanding have increased by 10% over the past year [7]. - Investors are advised to be cautious, given the lack of product approval and the company's current financial situation [6][7].