DAVID MCBRIDE
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
SUPERNAL LLC
WHY: Plans to have Hyundai Motor Group’s Supernal LLC flying taxis in commercial service in 2028; runs the company’s Irvine engineering headquarters. Supernal looks poised to emerge as the topflight contender to take the lead in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
IN THE NEWS: Supernal in March was able to convince McBride, who has a storied history of more than 40 years in aviation, to join. He was director of NASA’s premier Armstrong Flight Research Center. Oversaw development of NASA’s all-electric aircraft.
NOTABLE: Supernal recruiting is also taking place locally, including at the University of California, Irvine.
QUOTABLE: “This is the place to be for recruiting aerospace and engineering talent.”
