Seoul, South Korea – The South Korean government has unveiled plans to significantly expand the country's aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry, with a particular focus on Incheon International Airport.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on [date] that it will be implementing measures to foster the growth of high-value MRO services, such as cargo aircraft modification and engine overhaul.

MRO services are essential for ensuring the safe operation of aircraft and encompass a wide range of activities, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul of airframes, engines, and components.

Incheon Airport, already one of the busiest airports in the world, has been identified as a strategic location for the development of a robust MRO ecosystem. By establishing a state-of-the-art MRO complex within the airport's free trade zone, the government aims to attract foreign investment and repatriate MRO work currently being outsourced to other countries.

The new complex will house facilities operated by Israeli aerospace company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and U.S.-based Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (AAWW). These partnerships are expected to bring advanced MRO capabilities to South Korea and position the country as a leading MRO hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

South Korean officials anticipate that the MRO complex will create over 5,000 jobs and generate more than 10 trillion won (approximately US$7.5 billion) in production value over the next decade. Additionally, the government expects that the initiative will reduce the country's reliance on foreign MRO services and enhance its aviation industry competitiveness.