Korean Air, South Korea’s largest airline, has partnered with Swedish startup Wingbits to test blockchain-secured real-time flight data as part of its strategy to prepare for the era of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
The airline said it will connect Wingbits’ Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) data with its own integrated airspace management platform, ACROSS (Air Control and Routing Orchestrated Skyway System). ACROSS is being developed to manage low-altitude aircraft such as drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, prevent collisions, and track routes and positions.
Wingbits operates a blockchain-based aircraft tracking network supported by more than 4,500 receiving stations worldwide, covering about 80% of global airspace and monitoring roughly 150,000 flights daily.
Korean Air described the partnership as a strategic investment that goes beyond technical trials. Its R&D division will test drone and eVTOL taxi operations, examine ways to reduce airspace congestion, and explore solutions to eliminate blind spots and design dedicated flight corridors.
“This partnership marks the first step in bringing blockchain-based surveillance technology into the mainstream of the civil aviation market,” said Robin Wingårdh, co-founder and CEO of Wingbits.
The airline’s work with Wingbits builds on a 2023 agreement with Supernal, Hyundai Motor Group’s advanced air mobility subsidiary, which is targeting 2028 for the launch of its S-A2 aircraft. Korean Air is contributing operational expertise to support the safe rollout of next-generation aircraft.
