FutureFlight
Aerospace Veteran GKN Seeks to Stretch Itself with a Future in Advanced Air Mobility
The UK-based group recently announced it is taking leadership roles in four new programs, including an eVTOL aircraft project and a hydrogen propulsion system.
GKN Skybus
Skybus is an early concept for a possible eVTOL aircraft being worked on by GKN Aerospace and partners in an effort to extend the boundaries of what might be possible in the advanced air mobility sector. (Image: GKN Aerospace)

Major aerospace groups have so far been somewhat reticent to show their hand regarding intentions to pursue ambitions in the advanced air mobility sector, leaving it to start-ups to grab most of the attention. But GKN Aerospace got the industry’s attention when it recently announced three initiatives in the field, including plans for a 30- to 50-seat eVTOL aircraft and hydrogen propulsion technology.

There aren’t many companies with longer legacies than GKN, which traces its origins back to the iron business in 1759. The UK-based group, which is also very active in the automotive and specialist metals sectors, has had an aerospace division at least since 1939 when it started making Spitfire fighters for the Royal Air Force. Fast forward to the 21st century, and it now encompasses no less historic Dutch aircraft maker Fokker and engines group Volvo Aero.