South Korea has teamed up with a US electric aircraft startup, Archer Aviation Inc., to advance the commercialization of urban air mobility (UAM), according to the country's transport ministry. As part of the "Grand Challenge" UAM test project, Archer Aviation will collaborate with Korean companies like Kakao Mobility Corp., LG Uplus Corp., and GS Engineering & Construction Co. The partnership was solidified through a memorandum of understanding signed by Archer's Chief Commercial Officer Nikhil Goel and Korean government officials in Sejong. The aim of the Grand Challenge project is for the participating companies to establish a transportation management system using fifth-generation wireless technology and to test the integrated operating capabilities in UAM flights, traffic management, and the operation of vertiports for UAM vehicles. The government's goal is to introduce commercial UAM services in the greater Seoul area by late 2025, gradually expanding across the country from 2026. UAM is seen as a promising solution to urban mobility issues, with most UAM vehicles designed to operate on electricity and travel at low altitudes in urban areas.