Hyundai’s ambitious air taxi venture Supernal faces mounting challenges as additional top executives depart the company, signaling deeper turmoil within the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) startup. This latest wave of Supernal executive departures comes just weeks after the company paused its vehicle program and saw its CEO and CTO exit, raising questions about the future of Hyundai’s advanced air mobility ambitions.
Latest Supernal Executive Departures Confirmed
The startup confirmed Friday that chief strategy officer Jaeyong Song and chief safety officer Tracy Lamb have left the company. Additionally, Lina Yang, chief of staff to recently departed CEO Jaiwon Shin, is also no longer with Supernal. These Supernal executive departures represent a significant leadership vacuum at a critical juncture for the company.
Supernal stated: “As we transition to new leadership, we have taken the opportunity to strategically review our program’s progress and next steps to ensure alignment with our long-term goals.” The company emphasized that Hyundai Motor Group “remains strongly committed to its AAM [advanced air mobility] business.”
Significance of the Departing Executives
Jaeyong Song’s exit is particularly noteworthy given his extensive history with Hyundai. He spent three years as vice president of Hyundai’s AAM group before becoming Supernal’s chief strategy officer in 2023. Song had been employed by the Hyundai-Kia group since 2014, making his departure especially significant.
Tracy Lamb brought substantial aerospace industry experience to Supernal, with a long history as a commercial pilot and safety executive. Her departure removes crucial safety expertise from the leadership team during a period when regulatory approval remains paramount for eVTOL companies.
Broader Challenges Facing Supernal
The Supernal executive departures occur against a backdrop of ongoing difficulties for the startup:
- Program pause announced in early September
- Dozens of employees laid off earlier this year
- Washington, D.C. headquarters abruptly wound down in late 2024
- First test flight achieved in March 2025
These challenges highlight the turbulent environment facing the nascent eVTOL industry. Meanwhile, some competitors are securing investment and forming new partnerships ahead of planned commercial launches.
Industry Context and Implications
The timing of these Supernal executive departures is crucial as the eVTOL industry approaches potential commercialization. Regulatory frameworks are becoming increasingly favorable in the United States, creating both opportunity and pressure for companies like Supernal to execute their plans effectively.
The departure of key safety and strategy executives raises questions about Supernal’s ability to navigate the complex certification processes required for air taxi operations. Furthermore, the loss of institutional knowledge represented by these departures could impact the company’s strategic direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which executives recently left Supernal?
Chief Strategy Officer Jaeyong Song, Chief Safety Officer Tracy Lamb, and Chief of Staff Lina Yang have all departed the company in the recent leadership shake-up.
When did Supernal pause its air taxi program?
Supernal began pausing its air taxi program in early September 2025, shortly before the latest executive departures were announced.
How has Hyundai responded to these changes?
Hyundai Motor Group has stated it “remains strongly committed to its advanced air mobility business” despite the leadership changes and program pause.
What was Supernal’s recent milestone achievement?
The company successfully completed its first test flight in March 2025, demonstrating technical progress before the recent challenges emerged.
How does this affect the eVTOL industry?
These developments highlight the challenges facing even well-funded eVTOL startups, potentially affecting investor confidence and industry timing.
What is the status of Supernal’s headquarters?
The startup abruptly wound down its new Washington, D.C. headquarters in late 2024 as part of its restructuring efforts.
