New facility aims to lead Korea’s next era in air transportation and safety training
Korean Air has announced plans to construct a major Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Aviation Safety Research and Development (R&D) Center in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. The investment, totaling KRW 1.2 trillion (approximately USD 875 million), underscores the airline’s vision for future mobility and aerospace innovation.
A Vision for the Future of Air Travel
The new Bucheon center will be a cornerstone of Korean Air’s strategy to lead in advanced air transportation. The project supports research, pilot training, and safety advancements, setting the stage for innovation following the airline’s integration with Asiana Airlines.
“This is more than just a facility; it’s the launchpad for Korea’s future in aviation,” said a Korean Air spokesperson. “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.”
Korean Air formalized the initiative on April 30, 2025, during a signing ceremony at the Bucheon Arts Center. Key attendees included Korean Air Vice Chairman Keehong Woo and Bucheon Mayor Yong-eek Cho, along with leadership from Korea Land and Housing Corporation and Bucheon Urban Development Corporation.
Groundbreaking in 2027, Opening in 2030
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the center expected to open in May 2030. The facility will cover over 65,800 square meters—about ten football fields—and employ more than 1,000 personnel. These will include experts in engineering, flight training, and aviation safety.
The center will consist of three major components:
UAV Research Center
This section will focus on next-generation software and artificial intelligence for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Both commercial and defense aerospace projects will be supported, marking a significant step forward in Korea’s UAM development.
Flight Training Center
This will become the largest pilot training facility in Asia. It will integrate Korean Air’s and Asiana Airlines’ flight operations, expanding simulator capacity from 18 to 30. The facility will train up to 21,600 pilots annually.
Safety Experience Center
Designed for immersive learning, this center will offer hands-on safety training for airline staff and educational outreach for local students, businesses, and residents. It aims to raise safety awareness and improve emergency readiness in the community.
A Commitment to Innovation and Community
The project reflects Korean Air’s broader mission of “Connecting for a Better World.” By investing in technology, training, and community engagement, the airline hopes to create long-term benefits for both the aviation industry and the public.
About Korean Air
Korean Air, with over 55 years of global service, ranks among the world’s top 20 airlines. In 2024, it carried more than 23 million passengers. Operating out of its global hub at Incheon International Airport, the airline flies to 116 cities across 40 countries with a fleet of 161 aircraft and more than 20,000 employees.
The airline has received numerous honors, including a 5-star Skytrax rating and Airline of the Year awards from Air Transport World and Airline Ratings. Korean Air is also a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance and has strengthened its position as a leading transpacific carrier through a joint venture with Delta Air Lines.
For more information, visit www.koreanair.com.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
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