Korean Air will invest KRW 1.2 trillion to construct a Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Aviation Safety Research and Development Center in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province.
This large-scale project is said to underscore the airline’s strategic commitment to shaping the future of aerospace and mobility innovation in South Korea and beyond.
The Bucheon center is designed to become a national hub for next-generation aviation technologies, flight training excellence, and safety innovation. Envisioned as a core element of Korean Air’s future-forward roadmap, the facility will play a key role in strengthening the airline’s operational capabilities following its merger with Asiana Airlines.
At a signing ceremony held on April 30th at the Bucheon Arts Center, Korean Air formalized its collaboration with local stakeholders, including the City of Bucheon and key government-affiliated organizations. Attendees included Keehong Woo, Vice Chairman of Korean Air; Yong-eek Cho, Mayor of Bucheon; Han-Joon Lee, CEO of Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH); and Myung-hee Won, CEO of Bucheon Urban Development Corporation.
Construction of the new center is scheduled to commence in 2027, with operations expected to begin in May 2030. Spanning more than 65,800 square meters—approximately the size of ten football fields—the facility will accommodate over 1,000 personnel, including aviation researchers, software engineers, safety specialists, and flight instructors.
The Bucheon R&D Center will be built around three core components that align with Korean Air’s long-term goals in UAM and aerospace technology:
UAV Research Center
This division will focus on the development of advanced software, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems for unmanned aerial vehicles. It will support innovation across both commercial and defense aviation applications.
Flight Training Center
Designed to be the largest pilot training facility in Asia, this center will unify the flight operations of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. It will expand the number of full-motion flight simulators from 18 to 30, enabling training for up to 21,600 pilots annually.
Safety Experience Center
Aimed at enhancing aviation and workplace safety standards, this immersive training facility will provide industrial safety programs for aviation staff while also offering educational outreach to local students, businesses, and residents.
A Korean Air spokesperson said, “This is more than just a facility; it’s the launchpad for Korea’s future in aviation. 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.”
The Bucheon Aviation R&D Center is seen as a major step in Korean Air’s vision to become a global leader in sustainable and intelligent aviation.
