SEOUL- Construction has commenced on an aircraft engine maintenance cluster by Korean Air (KE) in Unbuk near Incheon International Airport. Scheduled for completion in 2027, this forthcoming engine maintenance complex is poised to become the largest in Asia.
It will significantly enhance Korean Air’s aircraft engine maintenance capabilities and reinforce its presence in the aviation MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) sector.
Executive Remarks
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air, emphasized the importance of aircraft engines, likening them to the heart of an airplane.
He affirmed Korean Air’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards and enhancing Korea’s competitiveness in the specialized aviation sector.
The new engine maintenance plant, spanning over 140,000 square meters across seven levels, represents a significant investment totaling 578 billion won. The construction will be carried out by Kolon Global and strategically located adjacent to the existing Engine Test Cell (ETC) operated by the airline since 2016.
In the past, Korean Air handled engine maintenance at its Bucheon facility, which was complemented by final performance testing at the ETC in Unbuk.
However, with the introduction of the engine maintenance cluster, the airline aims to streamline operations by consolidating all phases of engine maintenance into a single, centralized site. This strategic move is expected to enhance operational efficiency significantly.
Korean Air New Engine Maintenance Cluster
Korean Air is poised to significantly boost its aircraft engine maintenance capacity, ramping up from servicing 100 engines to 360 annually, spanning a wider array of engine types.
The airline overhauls six engine models, encompassing Pratt & Whitney’s PW4000 and GTF, CFM International’s CFM56, and General Electric’s GE90-115B.
The expansion initiative entails the addition of three more engine models to its roster, including GE’s GEnx and CFMI’s LEAP-1B. Moreover, Korean Air is exploring opportunities to service Asiana Airlines (OZ) engines, such as the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB used in the Airbus A350.
The introduction of the new maintenance cluster is projected to generate over 1,000 new jobs, bolstering the competitiveness of the domestic aviation MRO industry and reducing reliance on international maintenance services.
As the sole operator of specialized facilities for civilian aircraft engine overhauls in Korea, Korean Air has been at the forefront since 1976, starting with Boeing 707 aircraft engines.
Over the years, it has rebuilt nearly 5,000 engines and supplied engines to various airlines, including its subsidiary Jin Air, and global carriers like Delta Air Lines and China Southern Airlines.
The airline’s commitment to maintenance quality has garnered recognition from numerous esteemed bodies. Korean Air holds airworthiness certifications from 13 domestic and international authorities.
Including the Korean Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
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