KAI-KAEMS Participates in Singapore Airshow, One of the World's Top 3 Airshows... Exploring New Markets

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[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and its aircraft maintenance (MRO) subsidiary Korea Aerospace Maintenance & Engineering Services (KAEMS) are participating in the Singapore Airshow, one of the world's top three airshows, to pioneer export routes for domestically produced aircraft. KAI announced on the 12th that it will participate in the '2020 Singapore Airshow' held at the Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore until the 16th.

The Singapore Airshow is known as one of the world's top three airshows alongside the Paris Air Show in France and the Farnborough Airshow in the UK. It is also the largest aerospace and defense industry exhibition in the Asian region.

At this airshow, KAI will showcase advanced aircraft ranging from its main products such as the light attack aircraft FA-50, basic trainer KT-1, and utility helicopter Surion, to the Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) currently under development, as well as the small civil and armed helicopters LCH/LAH. Based on this, KAI plans to engage with high-ranking military officials from export target countries including Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Spain to accelerate export efforts.

Additionally, KAI intends to promote the development status and performance of the KF-X, which is currently under development, to existing FA-50 customers and actively seek potential new customers. Bae Chan-hyu, Executive Director of KAI, stated, "We will pioneer additional markets based on the trust we have built in Southeast Asia," adding, "As part of the New Southern Policy, we will do our best to achieve results in the defense and aerospace sectors."

KAI's subsidiary KAEMS will also strengthen cooperation with global MRO companies through participation in this airshow. On the previous day, KAEMS signed a maintenance training contract with Lufthansa Technik, the world's largest MRO company, for the Airbus A320 series aircraft. KAEMS plans to obtain maintenance organization certification for Airbus aircraft within the year and enter the bidding process.

On the same day, KAEMS also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on aircraft parts maintenance with AAR, one of the world's top three MRO companies based in the United States. Through this MOU, KAEMS will receive maintenance technology transfer from AAR and begin building infrastructure for domestic parts maintenance. Parts maintenance, along with engine maintenance, is considered one of the most profitable sectors in the aviation MRO field.

On this day, KAEMS will also sign a long-term supply contract for repair parts with Boeing. The company explained that securing a stable supply of repair materials and parts essential for aircraft maintenance and operation will shorten maintenance schedules, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness. KAEMS stated, "In addition, we plan to expand domestic MRO infrastructure by cooperating with major local MRO companies in Singapore, which is regarded as Asia's largest MRO powerhouse."

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