A strategic partnership for success
South Korea is a key customer base across Airbus’ businesses in commercial aircraft, defence, space and helicopters.
Airbus also has developed a strong presence and extensive industrial partnerships with several aerospace companies in the country.
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Airbus has a strong presence in South Korea, serving as a key partner across commercial aircraft, defense, space, and helicopter sectors. With a fleet of over 140 Airbus aircraft in service, including models like the A220 and A380, Airbus supports major carriers such as Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, along with several low-cost carriers.
In the helicopter sector, over 60 Airbus helicopters are operational across military, civil, and parapublic missions, including search and rescue and fire-fighting. The Republic of Korea Air Force also relies on Airbus for its Super Puma and A330 MRTT fleets.
Airbus collaborates extensively with South Korean aerospace companies like Korea Aerospace Industries and Korean Air Aerospace Division, contributing to both civil aircraft and helicopter production, as well as the development of space technologies.
Commercial Aircraft in South Korea
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South Korea is a key market for Airbus with some 140 aircraft currently in service. The current fleet includes aircraft from across the Airbus product line, from the 100-150 seat A220 to the double deck A380.
The aircraft are flying across the networks of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, and at low-cost carriers Aero K, Air Busan, Air Seoul, Fly Gangwon, Jeju Air and T’way Air.
Helicopters in South Korea
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There are over 60 Airbus helicopters in service in the South Korean military, civil and parapublic segments. Popular civil models such as the light intermediate single-engine H125, light twin-engine H135, and the versatile H225 are used on missions including search and rescue, fire-fighting, utility and corporate transportation.
Meanwhile, the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) also operates Super Puma helicopters in a utility role.
Defence in South Korea
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In 2015, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense placed a landmark order for the A330 MRTT. Four aircraft are now in successful service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) flying on a range of missions, including for the refuelling of fighter aircraft strategic transport capability.
The ROKAF also operates CN235 for various tactical missions. The Korean Coast Guard operates the C212.
Space in South Korea
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Airbus and South Korea have been long-time partners on space programmes, working with organisations such as the Korean Aerospace and Research Institute (KARI) to design and produce the country’s first multi-function geostationary satellite (GEO-Kompsat).
Airbus also provides high resolution satellite imagery services to various Korean operators.
Industrial partnerships
South Korea plays a crucial role in Airbus' industrial network, with key suppliers such as Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and the Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD) contributing to the production of civil aircraft and helicopters. These partnerships support the assembly and manufacture of critical components, including aerostructures and systems, for a wide range of Airbus products.
In addition to large corporations, South Korea’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly becoming integral to Airbus’ supply chain. These companies contribute to the innovation and efficiency of Airbus' operations, providing specialised parts and technologies that enhance the performance and capabilities of the company’s commercial, defence, and helicopter solutions.
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