Boeing, Korean Air Building New Training Facility
The facility will be the largest in Korea, with 12 full-flight simulators, when it opens in 2015.
Boeing announced that its officials participated in a groundbreaking ceremony Nov. 25 with and Korean Air to begin building Korea's largest new pilot training facility. It is located in Incheon's Free Economic Zone and expected to open in 2015 with 12 full-flight simulators installed.
"Boeing is very pleased to participate in the continuous development of Incheon's Free Economic Zone with this project to expand aviation training capabilities in Korea," said Sherry Carbary, vice president of Boeing Flight Services. "Boeing and Korean Air have a training relationship spanning almost 15 years. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Korean Air as we develop advanced aviation training programs from a new base in Incheon."
"Today's ceremony marks yet another milestone in our mutually beneficial 40-year relationship with Korean Air," said Pat Gaines, president of Boeing Korea. "This new training facility truly demonstrates Boeing's leading role in enhancing Korea's commercial aviation industry and we look forward to growing our local footprint in Korea."
Once the campus is completed, Boeing will relocate its existing training support staff and equipment there. Boeing will continue to provide all simulator training and pilot checking, according to its announcement.
The 2013 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook, an industry forecast of demand for aviation personnel, estimated 192,300 new commercial airline pilots and 215,300 new technicians will be needed in the Asia Pacific region through 2032. Northeast Asia, including Korea, will need 18,500 pilots and 25,500 technicians.
Based in Seoul, the airline serves 125 cities in 45 countries, according to information posted on its website.