This photo provided by Korean Air Lines Co. shows a ceremony in Bucheon, west of Seoul, on April 29, 2025, marking the company’s pledge to establish a next-generation aviation research and training hub in the city in Gyeonggi Province. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, April 30 (Korea Bizwire) – Korean Air Lines Co., South Korea’s leading air carrier, said Wednesday it plans to invest 1.2 trillion won (US$844.3 million) to establish a next-generation aviation research and training hub in Bucheon, west of Seoul.
The company plans to break ground on the 65,800 square-meter facility in 2027, with the opening planned for 2030. It will house more than 1,000 personnel, including researchers and flight instructors, and integrate a drone research center, a flight training center and a safety experience facility.
Korean Air said the facility reflects its long-term vision to lead the future of aviation through advanced technologies, pilot training and sustainable practices.
A signing ceremony for the project was held Tuesday in Bucheon, attended by Korean Air Vice Chairman Woo Kee-hong and Bucheon Mayor Cho Yong-eek, among others.
The flight training center, in particular, will consolidate Korean Air and Asiana Airlines Inc.’s training operations to enable the annual training of up to 21,600 pilots.
“Through bold investments in research, training and technology, we are laying the foundation to lead the future of air mobility while deepening our commitment to safety, sustainability and global connectivity,’ a Korean Air official said.
(Yonhap)
