Korean Air to Build $844M Urban Air Mobility Hub
Korean Air has unveiled an $844.11 million investment to establish an Urban Air Mobility and Aviation Safety Research Center in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. The project was formally launched on April 30, 2025, when the carrier signed an agreement with Bucheon City at the Bucheon Arts Center. The new facility is intended to become Korea’s premier hub for next-generation air mobility, pilot training and aviation safety research.
Spanning approximately 65,800 square meters, the center will accommodate more than 1,000 staff, including expert researchers, trainers and support personnel. It will be structured into three main divisions. The UAV Research Center will develop advanced artificial intelligence and software solutions for unmanned aerial vehicles, supporting innovations in urban air mobility and drone operations. The Flight Training Center, billed as Asia’s largest, will feature full-motion simulators and classrooms capable of training up to 21,600 pilots annually. The Safety Experience Center will offer immersive industrial safety training for airline personnel and introduce educational programs on aviation safety and emergency response to local businesses, students and residents.
“This is more than just a facility; it’s the launchpad for Korea’s future in aviation,” said a Korean Air spokesperson. The airline emphasized its commitment to safety, sustainability and global connectivity, noting that the new center will strengthen its leadership in emerging aerospace technologies and air mobility solutions.
Construction is slated to begin in 2027, with operations scheduled to commence in May 2030. Once operational, the Bucheon center will support Korean Air’s long-term strategy to integrate electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, advanced unmanned systems and enhanced pilot training into its broader network. By combining research, development and training in a single campus, the airline aims to accelerate domestic and international collaborations in aerospace innovation.
Bucheon City officials welcomed the partnership, highlighting the potential economic and technological benefits for the region. Local leaders anticipate that the center will attract high-tech investments, create skilled jobs and position Bucheon as a leading aviation and mobility cluster. The research center is also expected to collaborate with universities, startups and government agencies to establish a vibrant ecosystem for next-generation air transportation.
Korean Air plans to integrate the new facility with its existing training and safety programs in Seoul and elsewhere, creating a seamless pipeline from research to real-world application. The carrier’s current pilot academies and safety divisions will expand their curricula to include urban air mobility, autonomous flight systems and drone traffic management.
The investment aligns with global trends in urban air mobility, as governments and industry players seek to develop sustainable, efficient solutions to urban congestion. By focusing on unmanned systems, pilot proficiency and safety protocols, Korean Air aims to set new standards in airworthiness and operational excellence.
As global aviation faces challenges in workforce development, environmental impact and rapid technological change, the Bucheon Research Center represents a bold move to address future needs. Korean Air will tap into its partnerships with aerospace manufacturers, technology firms and regulatory authorities to ensure the center remains at the forefront of innovation.
With construction beginning in 2027 and the facility opening in 2030, Korean Air’s Urban Air Mobility and Aviation Safety Research Center will serve as a cornerstone for the airline’s vision of seamless, safe and sustainable flight in the decades ahead.
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