Hyundai’s urban air mobility subsidiary Supernal laid off 296 employees, or approximately 80% of its staff, last week as the Korean automaker struggles to keep its eVTOL aircraft development program afloat. “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,” a company spokesperson told AIN.

Hermeus has made the successful first flight of its latest Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 prototype, kicking off a campaign the company said will see the uncrewed aircraft reach supersonic speeds. Flight testing of the Mk 2.1 builds on the original Mk 1, which took to the skies in May 2025. Atlanta-based Hermeus has plans to develop hypersonic aircraft for multiple military and civil applications that would include the 20-passenger Halcyon.

Joby Aviation and its partner Uber have released a preview of the mobile app interface that will allow Uber riders to book flights on Joby’s four-passenger eVTOL air taxi. The new aerial ride-hailing service—dubbed “Uber Air powered by Joby”—builds on the Uber Elevate platform that Uber began developing in 2016 and subsequently sold to Joby in 2020.

The UK’s Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurement is to cease operations at the end of this financial year, following a decision by public funding body UK Research and Innovation. In a statement on February 26, the agency concluded that the airborne research asset “no longer offers value for money to the public because of a significant increase in costs and low planned utilization.”

Electric regional aircraft developer Vaeridion has teamed up with battery maker Molicel to power its in-development Microliner model. Under a  partnership agreement signed on February 27, the companies will select and qualify a suitable lithium-ion cell optimized for the nine-seater. 

Korean Air and Skyports Infrastructure are to collaborate on the development of a vertiport, contributing their experience in flight operations, air traffic management, and infrastructure. Announcing the partnership on February 27 at the Drone Show Korea in Busan, the airline and the UK-based group did not identify a location for the facility, which will be used “to conduct joint demonstrations and pilot programs in regions identified for early advanced air mobility commercialization.”

Archer Aviation plans to equip its Midnight eVTOL air taxi with Starlink satcom terminals to provide in-flight Wi-Fi for passengers and an aircraft-to-ground data link for operators, the company announced on February 27. Under the agreement, Archer could be the first company to install and test SpaceX’s satellite internet system on a commercial eVTOL aircraft.