Airbility Inc. (“Airbility”), an advanced air mobility company based in the Republic of Korea, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Schübeler GmbH (“Schübeler”) of Germany for strategic cooperation in electric ducted fan (EDF) propulsion technology. Under the agreement, the two companies will pursue multi-dimensional collaboration, including the joint development of next-generation EDF propulsion systems for eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) platforms and joint participation in Korea–Germany international R&D programs.

Founded in 2023 by aviation specialists from Hyundai Motor Company and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), Airbility is a high-speed eVTOL developer that delivers both vertical take-off/landing and high-speed cruise performance through its proprietary system integration capabilities. The company develops and manufactures high-speed eVTOL aircraft including the AB-U10 and AB-U60, offering mission-based solutions for counter-UAS and disaster response (DFR, Drone as First Responder) across the defense, public safety, and personal aviation markets.

Headquartered in Bad Lippspringe, Germany, Schübeler is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance aero propulsion systems, serving global customers across the aerospace, automotive, defense, and robotics sectors. The two companies have arrived at this strategic partnership based on the mutual trust built through their ongoing technical collaboration.

Under the MoU, Airbility and Schübeler will cooperate across four key areas: (i) customization of EDF products for Airbility’s eVTOL platforms; (ii) joint development of next-generation EDF propulsion systems; (iii) collaboration on hybrid propulsion system integration; and (iv) engineering support for airworthiness certification. The agreement is expected to serve as a key inflection point for Airbility to extend beyond its domestic technology base and build a global eVTOL value chain together with a proven European propulsion technology partner.

Jinmo Lee, CEO & Co-Founder of Airbility, stated, “Schübeler is a globally recognized specialist in EDF propulsion technology. By building on the product-level collaboration the two companies have accumulated, we will pursue full-cycle cooperation spanning joint R&D, new product development, and market expansion — laying the foundation for Korea’s high-speed eVTOL technology to enter the European market in earnest.”

Francois Gerner, Co-CEO of Schübeler, added, “Building on the collaborative experience we have developed with Airbility, this strategic partnership is a natural next step for both companies. Together, we will develop next-generation EDF solutions and set a new benchmark for the global eVTOL industry.”