“100번 날아도 문제없었다”…토프모빌리티, 아시아 첫 전기비행기 100회 무사고 비행

Source: VentureSquare

“100회 비행에도 문제없다”… Top Mobility, 아시아 최초 전기 항공기 100회 무사고 비행 달성

Future aviation mobility company Top Mobility has set a milestone demonstrating the potential for the commercialization of electric aircraft.

Top Mobility announced on the 2nd that its electric aircraft, the ‘Velis Electro,’ achieved 100 accident‑free flights, a first in Asia. The company explained that this record not only empirically proves the safety of electric aircraft but also demonstrates that they are a realistic alternative for eco‑friendly air mobility capable of responding to the era of high fuel prices.

Electric aircraft are garnering attention in conjunction with the K‑UAM (Urban Air Mobility) ecosystem currently being promoted by the government. While eVTOLs (Electric Vertical Take‑off and Landing) still face challenges regarding battery performance, certification systems, and infrastructure development, electric aircraft are assessed as having already crossed the threshold for commercialization, having reached a level where certification and actual operation are possible.

In particular, as it can be rapidly utilized in sightseeing flights, pilot training, and short‑distance inter‑regional travel, it is emerging as a realistic alternative for the future air mobility market.

Top Mobility, 100회 무사고 비행 기념 (사진 제공: Top Mobility)

전기 항공기가 K‑UAM보다 먼저 이륙한다.

Top Mobility emphasized that through these 100 accident‑free flights, it has also verified the economic viability and business potential of electric aircraft.

Electric aircraft have a simpler structure than internal combustion engine aircraft, resulting in fewer parts and a lower risk of breakdown. Fuel and maintenance costs can also be significantly reduced. The company explained that an analysis of actual flight data showed that fuel and maintenance costs could be reduced by approximately 70% compared to conventional internal combustion engine aircraft.

Top Mobility has accumulated battery performance, charging efficiency, maintenance costs, and flight data during flight operations, and has also secured the operational capabilities necessary for commercial operations.

Based on this, the company plans to fully launch electric aircraft sightseeing experience services and pilot training programs starting this month. In addition to sightseeing flights and experience programs for the general public, it will also introduce electric aircraft conversion training courses for existing pilots.

“100 accident‑free flights are a result that simultaneously proves the safety, economic feasibility, and commercialization potential of electric aircraft,” said Jung Chan‑young, CEO of Top Mobility. “Based on accumulated flight data, we will expand tourism and pilot training services, and in the long term, broaden our business scope to include eco‑friendly inter‑regional air transport services.”