Incheon Airport Takes Off as Regional Aircraft Maintenance Hub

Incheon International Airport Corp., the operator of Korea's primary airport, has started commercial aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations at its facility. This comes after the completion of Korea's first passenger-to-freighter conversion facility last year.

The process involves converting a Boeing 777 into a freighter plane, which is a complex and technically demanding task. The project requires precision cutting of the fuselage and structural frame, followed by reinforcement to restore the aircraft's structural integrity.

Korean suppliers are playing a significant role in this project. Aerospace manufacturer AST, based in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, is producing the cargo door and reinforcement structures after obtaining Parts Manufacturer Approval. About 40 local partners in the province are supplying over 4,000 components.