Korean Air to build aerospace hub in Bucheon

Korean Air plans to invest KRW 1.2 trillion in the construction of a cutting-edge Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Aviation Safety R&D Centre in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. The ambitious initiative marks a major step in the airline’s long-term vision to lead future mobility and aerospace innovation in South Korea, with the facility set to become a focal point for next-generation aviation technologies, pilot training and safety advancement.

The project was formally launched on April 30, through a signing ceremony at the Bucheon Arts Center, attended by senior figures including Keehong Woo, Vice Chairman of Korean Air, Bucheon Mayor Yong-eek Cho, Han-Joon Lee, CEO of Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), and Myung-hee Won, CEO of Bucheon Urban Development Corporation.

The new centre, scheduled to break ground in 2027 and begin operations by May 2030, will cover more than 65,800 m² — an area equivalent to ten football pitches. Once completed, it will house over 1,000 personnel, including researchers and instructors, and will serve as a comprehensive hub for aerospace research and professional training.

Three core components will define the new facility in Bucheon:

UAV Research Centre: Dedicated to the development of AI-driven software for unmanned aerial vehicles, supporting both commercial and defence applications.

Flight Training Centre: Expected to become Asia’s largest, the facility will consolidate Korean Air and Asiana Airlines’ simulator resources, growing the number from 18 to 30, with capacity to train up to 21,600 pilots annually.

Safety Experience Centre: Designed to promote workplace and public safety, this space will offer hands-on industrial safety training for airline staff and educational outreach for the local community.

The project also aligns with Korean Air’s integration with Asiana Airlines, enhancing the merged carrier’s infrastructure as it prepares for future aviation challenges.