Hyundai’s Supernal Air Taxi Arm Lays Off 296 Staffers

Headcount reduction impacts about 80 percent of the company’s workforce.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, March 03, 2026 at 04:33 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Hyundai’s Supernal has said previously that it aims to introduce its flagship S-A2 electric air taxi by 2028. [Credit: Supernal]

Key Takeaways:

Supernal, Hyundai's electric air taxi unit, laid off 296 employees (approximately 80% of its staff) in a "strategic pivot" to optimize costs and staffing for its long-term aircraft development.
Hyundai remains committed to advanced air mobility, emphasizing that Supernal is not shutting down but will focus on stabilizing, shaping a new business model, and developing a commercially viable aircraft.
The significant downsizing follows a tumultuous period for Supernal, marked by previous workforce reductions, leadership changes, and delays in its flight testing program, positioning it behind competitors.
Industry experts suggest Supernal may be re-evaluating its entire business framework, including target markets and aircraft offerings, potentially considering a shift in focus from the U.S. to Korea.

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Supernal, the U.S.-based electric air taxi unit of Korean automaker Hyundai, laid off most of its staff last week in a “strategic pivot,” according to a company spokesperson.

The spokesperson said 296 employees—about 80 percent of the company’s workforce—were let go Friday to “ensure our staffing and cost structures are optimized for the long-term delivery of our market-aligned aircraft design.”