Hyundai’s eVTOL startup Supernal hits turbulence as CEO, CTO exit
The leadership shake-up prompts a pause on the air taxi programme
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Published: Sep 8, 2025 12:11 PM | 1 min read
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Hyundai Motor Group’s electric air taxi subsidiary, Supernal, has temporarily halted work on its aircraft programme following the sudden exit of its top leadership, as per media reports. The development comes after CEO Jaiwon Shin and CTO David McBride stepped down within days of each other, triggering uncertainty around the company’s future roadmap.
Shin, who had led Supernal since its inception in 2021, was a key architect of Hyundai’s urban air mobility ambitions. McBride’s exit adds to the turbulence, especially as the company was only beginning to progress from concept to demonstrator flights. While Supernal confirmed leadership changes, it said the “newly appointed leadership will assess and determine the optimal timeline moving forward,” declining to comment further on McBride’s departure.
The pause comes at a critical time for the global eVTOL sector. While Toyota-backed Joby and others continue to secure funding and partnerships, rivals such as Lilium have folded under financial pressure. Supernal itself had laid off staff last year, closed its Washington, D.C. headquarters, and relocated to Irvine, California.
Despite the setback, Hyundai remains committed to the long-term vision of urban air mobility. The automaker has announced plans to bring in new leadership with deep operational expertise. Supernal had originally targeted 2028 for the launch of its five-seat, battery-powered eVTOL designed for intra-city passenger services, a timeline now under review.
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