Korean Air begins Heavy Maintenance on United Airlines’ B747-400s

Korean Air has contracted with United Airlines to perform heavy maintenance on UAs fleet of 27 B747-400’s, expanding the airline’s presence in the global Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) market.

The five year renewable contract, signed in June of this year is valued at approximately US$12 million each year.

Korean Air is contracted to perform C and D checks in addition to parts overhaul services. The first aircraft scheduled to receive a D check was flown to the airline’s Gimhae plant in Busan on July 18.

Korean Air plans to increase its Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul services to other international carriers. In 2004, Korean Air recorded approximately 16.7 billion won in MRO revenue. This year’s target is 29 billion won, an increase of 73%. The airline hopes to grow its MRO revenues approximately 20% each year by 2007.

Korean Air currently conducts heavy maintenance for airlines such as Mongolian Airlines and Southern Air, in addition to light maintenance for approximately 30 airlines that operate flights to Korea.

An aircraft `C’ check is conducted approximately every 15 months and usually takes around ten days to complete. A `D’ check is conducted approximately every six years and usually takes approximately 30 days to complete.

Korean Air operates four major maintenance facilities located at Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae and Bucheon and employs over 3,600 experienced mechanics and technicians. The airline also has certification by both the FAA and EASA and plans to increase its aircraft maintenance customer base.

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