Korean Air Partners with DePIN Startup Wingbits for Real-Time Flight Data

Korean Air has entered a research agreement with Stockholm-based Wingbits, a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) startup, to supply real-time ADS-B data for its ACROSS air traffic coordination system. The deal grants the airline's R&D division access to flight data coverage across Korea’s Incheon FIR, North America, and Europe as it explores integration of drones, cargo aircraft, and future eVTOL taxis into crowded airspace.

Wingbits operates a cryptographically secured ADS-B receiver network, rewarding contributors with tokens for optimal hardware placement. The startup closed a $5.6 million funding round in January led by Bullish Capital, parent company of CoinDesk. "All of aviation relies on this data to some extent, and it’s a really big and profitable market," said co-founder Robin Wingårdh during Korea Blockchain Week, highlighting the untapped potential of community-driven data networks.