Skyports Infrastructure Appointed Lead Vertiport Developer and Operator for Korea's First Commercial Vertiport Network, on Jeju Island

(Text and Images reproduced with kind permission of Doug Anson who retains copyright)



Korea's top tourist destination, Jeju Island is ideally positioned to take advantage of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), with robust forecast passenger demand and strong governmental support

Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports), the global leader in vertiport infrastructure for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, has been appointed as the lead vertiport developer for Korea's first commercial vertiport network, on Jeju Island.

Announced as part of a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Skyports and Jeju Provincial Government, which was signed on September 5th during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Jeju Global Future Aerospace Confesta, held at Jeju Shinhwa World, the agreement looks to pave the way for AAM operations in Jeju, ahead of anticipated eVTOL operations launching by 2028.

As a part of the memorandum, Skyports has identified a viable vertiport network for initial service launch within Jeju Island, securing vertiport sites and signing agreements with the relevant landowners.

As the preferred vertiport partner, Skyports will take the lead in planning and building the vertiports, securing investment and managing business operations, alongside consulting upon and coordinating a suitable aircraft OEM launch partner for the network. Jeju Province will assist with securing designation of demonstration zones, and providing administrative support such as permits and approvals.

The initial proposed vertiport sites are Jeju International Airport, Jungmun and Seongsan with further locations mapped out for potential future expansion of the network. The initial routes will look to reduce existing transport times by approximately 85%, with all routes reducing approximately 60 minute drive times to 9-10 minute flights.

As Korea's top tourist destination, Jeju Island (dubbed "Hawaii of the East") is well suited to take advantage of future AAM operations. It sees an average of 13 million visitors per year, with 230 domestic and international flights arriving daily. With limited ground transportation options and growing sustainability goals from the Government, AAM will offer a faster, cleaner, and premium transport option on the island.

Jeju Island's AAM ambitions have also seen significant support from the Jeju Provincial Government, having been designated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transportation (MOLIT) as a tourism & regional Korea UAM (K-UAM) test zone, having also completed the most AAM readiness exercises compared to other provinces, making it the leading location for AAM deployment in Korea.

The signing ceremony was attended by Jeju Governor Oh Young-hoon and Addison Ferrell, Director of Infrastructure at Skyports.

Commenting on the MoU signing, Addison Ferrell, Director of Infrastructure, Skyports, said: "We are honoured to be recognized as Jeju's leading partner for AAM development. This MoU reflects our shared vision to create the infrastructure and operations needed to bring Advanced Air Mobility to life. Jeju's unique environment makes it the ideal launchpad, and we are committed to ensuring this project becomes a model for Asia and beyond."

Oh Young-hoon, Governor of Jeju Provincial Government, said: "This agreement with Skyports marks a turning point in realizing the new transportation system Jeju has envisioned. By combining Jeju's unique geographic advantages with world-class technology, we will write a new chapter in the history of future mobility."

Further Information:

About Skyports Infrastructure

Skyports Infrastructure is the leading enabler of advanced air mobility (AAM), providing the critical link between the ground and the sky.

The company designs, builds and operates take-off and landing infrastructure for air taxis, and partners with world-class electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) passenger and cargo vehicle manufacturers around the world to enable safe, sustainable and efficient flight operations within urban and suburban environments.

Find out more at: www.skyports.net