Airbus Helicopters and Korea Aerospace Industries affirm partnership

Airbus Helicopters and Korea Aerospace Industries affirm partnership for export and support of Korean helicopter platforms.

Korean-made Light Civil Helicopter and Light Armed Helicopter to be marketed worldwide in a joint effort by both partners.

Scope of cooperation to include also after-sales services including MRO and training.

Strategic collaboration will ensure the advancement of Airbus Helicopters and KAI’s partnership for the next decades.

Seoul, Long-time partners Airbus Helicopters and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly market Korean helicopter platforms for the worldwide market. The collaboration will encompass the distribution of the Korean Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) and Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) globally, as well as the performance of comprehensive after-sales support services.

The MoU was signed today in Seoul, during the occasion of French President François Hollande’s visit. Signing the MoU were KAI’s Senior Vice President & General Manager of Rotary Wing Aircraft Research & Development Division, Dr. Joo Kyun Kim, and Norbert Ducrot, Airbus Helicopters’ Head of North Asia, with KAI President & CEO Ha Sung Yong and Airbus Group Executive Committee member Fabrice Brégier in witness.

“We have enjoyed great success in cooperation programs with Airbus Helicopters, with the Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH) program being a prime example,” said Dr. Kim. “Now as we look towards the future with our new LCH/LAH program, this collaboration is a natural next step that will enable both parties to leverage on each other’s strengths, to ensure success of these platforms in Korea and the world.”

A working group comprising members from both parties will determine the details of the joint marketing efforts of the helicopters and the provision of after-sales support in the coming months.

“Korea is one of Airbus Helicopters’ most important international customers. Thanks to this MoU, we will build a strong and mutually-beneficial relationship with KAI in order to jointly market the LCH/LAH worldwide,” said Ducrot. “On top of this, we will cooperate to provide support and services for more than 500 locally-made helicopters, which will bring tremendous benefits to both KAI and Airbus Helicopters for the next 20 to 30 years.”