Innovators
Diana Cooper, Chief Partnerships & Policy Officer of Supernal
Diana Cooper has built a career at the intersection of law, technology, and aviation policy. As Chief Partnerships & Policy Officer at Supernal, Hyundai’s advanced air mobility (AAM) subsidiary, she is guiding how eVTOL aircraft and urban air mobility infrastructure take shape worldwide. With experience spanning law, drone regulation, and policy leadership, Diana has become a trusted voice in navigating the complex regulatory frameworks that will define the next era of aviation.
Academic and Legal Foundations of Diana Cooper
Diana’s path into aviation innovation began with a deep academic grounding in law and global policy. She earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) with a specialization in Law & Technology from the University of Ottawa, graduating with distinction. Before that, she completed a Master of Arts in Globalization Studies at McMaster University and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics & Governance, graduating at the top of her class with a Gold Medal from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson).
Her studies shaped a dual focus: how emerging technologies disrupt traditional systems and how legal frameworks must evolve to support innovation while maintaining public trust. This perspective would later make her a leading advocate for drone integration and air mobility standards.
Policy Leadership at PrecisionHawk
Diana’s early impact on the drone industry came at PrecisionHawk, a U.S.-based drone company specializing in aerial data and analytics. She joined as Vice President of Legal & Policy and advanced to Senior Vice President of Policy & Strategy.
At PrecisionHawk, she led the company’s regulatory strategy during a crucial period of drone industry growth. She represented the company before the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Congress, NASA, and the Department of Transportation. Diana became one of the most visible voices advocating for expanded drone use cases, helping advance BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) waivers and practical integration of drones into the national airspace.
Her work positioned PrecisionHawk as a regulatory leader, paving the way for commercial drone operations at scale. It also elevated her reputation as a thought leader, testifying before U.S. lawmakers on the safe and beneficial adoption of UAV technology.
Transition to Supernal and Advanced Air Mobility
In 2020, Diana joined Supernal, Hyundai’s ambitious project to commercialize electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft by 2028. At Supernal, she serves as Chief Partnerships & Policy Officer, where her role extends far beyond compliance.
She is responsible for building the ecosystem around AAM—working with airports, FBOs (Fixed Base Operators), city planners, regulators, and technology providers. One of her notable achievements includes Supernal’s partnership with Clay Lacy Aviation, preparing FBO networks for eVTOL operations. This collaboration involves adapting ground infrastructure, charging systems, and standards to support the introduction of air taxis into everyday mobility.
Diana also emphasizes global harmonization of regulations. She is a strong advocate for minimizing fragmentation across jurisdictions, ensuring that eVTOL aircraft can operate seamlessly in multiple regions without conflicting rules.
Achievements and Milestones of Diana Cooper
Congressional Testimony: Testified before the U.S. House of Representatives on drone safety, integration, and innovation, reinforcing her role as a trusted policy voice.
Regulatory Progress: At PrecisionHawk, advanced the industry’s ability to secure FAA waivers for BVLOS drone operations.
Ecosystem Development at Supernal: Spearheaded partnerships with aviation stakeholders to adapt infrastructure for eVTOL operations.
Global Standards Leadership: Advocated internationally for harmonized air mobility regulations, helping prevent regulatory silos that could stifle innovation.
Strategic Messaging: Helped position Supernal as a long-term leader in AAM, focusing not on being first to market but on building a sustainable and trusted market.
Diana Cooper’s Vision for Advanced Air Mobility
Diana sees advanced air mobility not only as a technological breakthrough but as an urban and societal transformation. She has repeatedly emphasized that regulation and infrastructure must evolve in parallel with aircraft design. Without the right ecosystem, eVTOLs risk becoming isolated demonstrations rather than integrated transportation solutions.
Her vision prioritizes safety, equity, and sustainability. She believes that eVTOL adoption must win public trust through strong regulatory standards and transparent communication. As she often notes, “We don’t need to be first to market. We want to build the right market first.”
Closing Thoughts on Diana Cooper
Diana Cooper embodies the role of an industry innovator who blends legal expertise, policy acumen, and strategic vision. From shaping drone policy at PrecisionHawk to guiding Supernal’s approach to AAM partnerships, she has become one of the most influential voices in aligning aviation’s future with public trust and regulatory readiness.
As eVTOL aircraft move closer to commercial reality, Diana’s work ensures that innovation is matched with responsibility, and that air mobility evolves as a safe, sustainable, and scalable extension of global transportation networks.
Connect With Diana Cooper
Diana continues to shape the policy and partnership strategies driving advanced air mobility. To learn more about her work and follow her journey:
