Airbus to open tech research centre in South Korea

Airbus to open tech research centre in South Korea

by | Nov 20, 2025 | Innovation

Airbus will open a Tech Hub in Daejeon, South Korea for collaborative research and development.

Three Memoranda of Understanding have been signed to advance the project, which will focus on future energy technologies, advanced lightweight composites, and next-generation space and defence tech. The Hub will be Airbus’s fourth globally, joining others in Japan, the Netherlands, and Singapore. All four aim to leverage local intersections between the private sector, academia, and the government to drive innovation.

Airbus has a long history with its partners in South Korea, dating back to 1974. It is estimated that the company currently employs around 6,000 jobs and contributes US$600 million to the country’s economy.

Mark Bentall, Head of R&T Programme at Airbus, commented:

After five decades of successful industrial partnership with Korea, this step to launch the Airbus Tech Hub in Daejeon is a clear signal of our deepening commitment. The Tech Hub allows Airbus to tap into advanced technologies in Korea, which will help fast-track future aircraft technologies and continue to develop Korea as our trusted, long-term partner.

Exciting projects Airbus hope to advance in Daejeon include space chip antennae with LIG Nex1, as well as electromagnetic interference suppression with EMCoretech. The Tech Hub is also complemented by the Composite Technology Centre (CTC) in Busan, which will work with the Daejeon office to produce composite materials and new processes.

Join us at Aerospace Tech Week 2026, where Dr Sabine Klauke, Airbus’s Chief Technology Officer, will be speaking.

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Korean Air signs exclusive eVTOL partnership with Archer

Korean Air signs exclusive eVTOL partnership with Archer

by | Oct 24, 2025 | Innovation

Korean Air and advanced air mobility (AAM) firm Archer have signed a deal to commercialise Archer’s Midnight eVTOL in South Korea.

Beginning with government applications, the agreement could see Korean Air purchase up too 100 Archer aircraft. South Korea’s expertise in MRO and Archer’s next-generation solution will together build the ideal foundations for commercial AAM adoption.

Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer, said:

Korean Air’s expertise in aerospace and their comprehensive strategic vision for the future make them the ideal partner for Archer. We are excited to introduce Midnight alongside them in one of the world’s largest aerospace markets.

Korean Air’s Aerospace Division is one of APAC’s leading R&D and manufacturing arms. Actively engaged in research for stealth tech, unmanned aircraft systems, and urban air mobility, the division also supports the US Department for Defense in Asia.

Archer have been ramping up testing in the US as it seeks FAA certification. At recent demonstrations, the Midnight eVTOL has flown at 10,000 feet and conducted journeys of 55 miles in just over 30 minutes.

The company’s partnership with Korean Air brings its futuristic vision to introduce clean, quiet air taxis in urban areas across the globe one step closer.

Join us at Aerospace Tech Week 2026 to discuss the current state of the Advanced Air Mobility market.