Korean Air recently delivered its first AH-6 helicopter fuselage commissioned by Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS), a division of the Boeing Company.
Korean Air signed a contract with Boeing in December 2021 to manufacture a total of eight fuselages for AH-6 helicopters that will undergo final assembly by BDS.
Korean Air has long-term expertise in helicopter manufacturing: the company was the first manufacturer of the 500MD helicopter in Korea, and produced and sold 309 500MD helicopters to the military, public institutions and private companies from 1977 to 1988. The airline has also produced and exported 516 500MD fuselage, and recently, successfully carried out an unmanned 500MD project.
Helicopter fuselage manufacturing requires advanced and specialised technology especially for parts such as the canopy and landing gear. Korean Air worked closely with its partner, Kencoa Aerospace, to successfully deliver its first fuselage.
Following the success of this project, Korean Air says it plans to collaborate with Boeing to expand its overseas sales and new aircraft development and manufacturing business in the future.