next year, according to Boeing leaders. “There are a lot of opportunities for Boeing in Korea,” said Roland Ramirez, Commercial Airplanes sales director for Korean Air. “It has unlimited growth potential.” On the defense side, the country’s longtime uneasy relationship with North Korea has fueled repeated defense upgrades. Over the past decade, the military has taken delivery of 61 F-15K Slam Eagles and, over time, acquired 42 CH-47D Chinook transport helicopters. Beginning next month, it plans to receive the first of 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. Although facing military budget limitations, high utilization of current aircraft will require additional AEW&C aircraft, and an increasing submarine warfare threat will necessitate the addition of the P-8 Poseidon or other maritime surveillance aircraft in the future, according to Tim Nichols, director, Boeing Defense, Space & Security international business development. “Sustainment and expansion of the strike aircraft fleet such as F-15K and Apache, and transport aircraft such as Chinook, also is critical,” Nichols said. “Special operations aircraft, such as the V-22 Osprey, will be of keen interest to Korea. The after-market services, support and modification upgrade business also will be a growth area.” Acting on the need for the latter, the Boeing Avionics Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (BAMRO) center—one of the first of its kind outside the U.S.—opened in the city of Yeongcheon in April to test and repair aircraft electronics beginning with the F-15K. Korean employees operate the center, which covers 10,800 square feet (1,000 square meters). The equipment in place can be reconfigured to test most avionics on a variety of aircraft, and could be made available to others in Asia. “The customer will benefit from reduced turnaround time and inventory savings as a result of the avionics repair services provided at the BAMRO,” said James O’Loughlin, vice president, Boeing Global Services & Support for Korea. Boeing business relationships extend deep into the ever-expanding Korean aviation manufacturing industry. The Korean Air Aerospace Division currently supplies composite structures and 42 Boeing Frontiers Korea at a glance Official name Republic of Korea Capital city Seoul Area 38,500 square miles (99,700 square kilometers) Population 49,115,196 (estimated in July 2015) Gross domestic product $1.78 trillion USD (estimated in 2014) Source: U.S. government components for the 787 Dreamliner, 747-8 and 737 MAX, and previously has supported multiple Boeing military aircraft programs. Korea Aerospace Industries has provided parts for the 787, 777, 767, 747-8, 737 MAX and P-8, plus fuselage sections for the AH-64 Apache and F-15. In August, the 300th AH-64E Apache fuselage, delivered to Boeing from Korea Aerospace Industries, held the distinction of being the first fuselage of an Apache helicopter to return to its homeland. It is destined for the Korean army. Last year, Boeing spent more than $460 million with Korean companies, including 25 different suppliers, and currently employs more than 200 people in seven Korean cities. In addition, Boeing invests and engages with local organizations focused on education and the environment, which are key areas of interest for the Korean people.
Frontiers October 2015 Issue
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