The KC-330, the first aerial refueling aircraft in the South Korean Air Force, built by Airbus, is ready to be deployed into the field, where it was refuel aircraft in the Korea Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ). (Image provided by the Ministry of National Defense)
SEOUL, Oct. 16 (Korea Bizwire) — Airbus SE, the European aerospace giant, pledged Thursday to strengthen its partnership with South Korea, expanding industrial cooperation and sustainability efforts across commercial aviation and defense.
Speaking in Seoul ahead of the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025, Lee Hee-hwan, president of Airbus Korea, said the company viewed South Korea as a vital long-term partner rather than merely a customer.
“Airbus and South Korea have built a trusted partnership over more than 50 years based on innovation and industrial excellence,” Lee told reporters. “South Korea is not just a customer but a strategic partner in shaping the future of the aerospace industry.”
Airbus currently has more than 160 commercial aircraft, 60 helicopters, and 30 military transport planes in operation across the country. At this year’s ADEX, it plans to showcase a full lineup, including the A350F freighter, the H225M and ACH160 helicopters, and the A330 MRTT+ multirole tanker and transport aircraft.
The company has cultivated close ties with South Korea’s government and private sector, partnering with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Korean Air to supply key components for Airbus’ global programs.
This photo provided by Airbus Korea shows Lee Hee-hwan, the president of the South Korean unit of the European aerospace company, speaking at a press conference at a hotel in Seoul on Oct. 16, 2025. (Yonhap)
Lee also discussed Airbus’ plans to establish a research and training center in South Korea, following a memorandum of understanding signed last year with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. “The R&T center plan is still being developed,” he said. “Once finalized, we will communicate the details officially in the near future.”
Asked about competition with Boeing after Korean Air’s $36.2 billion deal to purchase 103 Boeing aircraft, Lee emphasized Airbus’ continued partnership with the national carrier. “We have already signed contracts with Korean Air for the latest A320 and A350 aircraft, with a significant number of orders placed,” he said.
Lee pointed to the models’ strong fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions, arguing that they fit with South Korea’s growing focus on sustainable aviation. “If successfully operated, we believe Airbus will continue to thrive in the South Korean market,” he said.
The renewed commitment underscores Airbus’ broader strategy in Asia: deepening industrial cooperation with nations that are both key customers and emerging aerospace innovators.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
