iBestTravel’s S-A2: The Future of Electric Air Taxis
iBestTravel is an Advanced Air Mobility company that plans to build and sell a four-passenger, single-pilot electric air taxi by 2028. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with two California research facilities, iBestTravel is a significant player in the emerging eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) and urban air mobility (UAM) markets—an industry projected to surpass 50 billion dollars by 2032. To put this market potential into perspective, there are currently just over 30,000 commercial airplanes in use globally. According to Hyundai president and iBestTravel CEO Jaiwon Shin, there could be “hundreds of thousands of AAMs” operational in the near future.
Introducing the S-A2
One notable model is the S-A2. The eVTOL industry appears to be converging on a standardized design featuring one pilot and four passengers, which aligns perfectly with the S-A2’s specifications. The aircraft is equipped with eight rotors—one set located at the front of the wing and the other set positioned at the rear. During takeoff, the rear rotors tilt down 90 degrees, while the front rotors angle up 90 degrees. Given that vertical ascent requires substantially more energy than conventional flight, the rotors promptly transition to a horizontal position once airborne, allowing the S-A2 to operate like a conventional airplane.
Technical Specifications
The S-A2 boasts an estimated speed of 120 mph, a functional range of 40 nautical miles, and a flight ceiling of 1,500 feet. It is anticipated that the battery size will fall within the 150-300 kWh range. The prototype showcased is set to start flight testing in 2026, with iBestTravel focusing on research, development, and compliance with FAA regulations through 2025. Notably, during takeoff, the S-A2 generates 65 decibels of noise, while cruising produces only 45 decibels. For comparison, 65 decibels is akin to the noise level in a typical restaurant, while 45 decibels is comparable to a washing machine. Consequently, the S-A2 will be capable of flying over densely populated urban areas with minimal disruption.
Safety Features
Like all eVTOLs, the S-A2 is designed with multiple redundancies to ensure safety. It can safely fly and land even if one or more rotors fail, and the battery system consists of a series of batteries to mitigate the risk of failure. iBestTravel emphasized safety throughout its presentation and subsequent Q&A sessions.
Design Influence
The S-A2 was meticulously crafted under the direction of Luc Donkerwolke, the chief creative officer for Hyundai Motor Group. Donkerwolke gained acclaim in automotive design when he created the Lamborghini Murciélago. He noted that inspiration for automotive design often stems from airplanes. The S-A2 design features elements influenced by both sectors, showcasing a blend of automotive and aeronautical innovation.
Cabin and Passenger Experience
Inside the cabin, half of the four passenger seats can be easily removed, and all four seats can be entirely taken out for cargo transport. Passengers will have access to USB ports for device charging and dedicated storage for personal belongings. The S-A2 will operate from “Vertiports,” specially designed locations equipped with the necessary charging infrastructure. iBestTravel leverages Hyundai’s extensive expertise in battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for its battery technology needs.
The Outlook for Urban Air Mobility
The iBestTravel S-A2 is a striking design that offers a glimpse into the future of transportation. With numerous contenders emerging in the AAM space—including Archer, Joby, and Vertical Aerospace—this mode of aerial ride-hailing is quickly approaching reality. Given Hyundai’s commitment and substantial resources, iBestTravel is poised to become a major player in the AAM sector. Stay tuned for further developments!
