According to government data reported by , a record 47 million passengers flew with the nation精东影业 airlines between January and June 2025, up from 36.83 million a year ago.听

South Korea精东影业 Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, published data revealing 18.15 million passengers flew on domestic services on local airlines while 29.41 million caught international flights.  

Some of the low-cost carriers included in the data are Jeju Air, Jin Air, T’way Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul. 

The Korean Times reported that the rise in passengers was driven by low-cost carriers鈥� operations on short-haul flights to Japan and Southeast Asia and a weak South Korean 飞辞苍.听

If the second half of 2024 continues on the same trajectory, then passenger numbers could exceed 100 million, and rise above the pre-COVID pandemic high of 93.47 million in 2019. 

On July 3, 2024, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said global passenger numbers were up 10.7% in May 2024 compared to the same month in 2023.  

鈥淪trong demand for travel continues with airlines posting a 10.7% year-on-year increase in travel for May. Airlines filled 83.4% of their seats, a record for the month. With May ticket sales for early peak-season travel up nearly 6%, the growth trend shows no signs of abating,鈥� said Willie Walsh, IATA精东影业 Director General. 

The IATA also said that Asia-Pacific airlines continue to lead the way, with a 27.0% year-on-year increase in demand and that Asian carriers were the 鈥渓argest contributor to industry-wide growth in May鈥�.听

Lufthansa Innovation Hub identifies top cities for Advanced Air Mobility launch

• Aviation Technology and Innovation

byClement Charpentreau

2024-07-12

According to defense media outlet , Peru is moving forward in negotiations with South Korea and South Korean aerospace and defense company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the purchase.

A letter of intent might be signed in the coming weeks, and the contract, valued at $780 million, could well be made before the end of 2024, the report said. 

On top of this investment, Peru is also considering whether to join the KF-21 fifth-generation fighter program, which could further modernize its air force and expand its aerospace capabilities.

Developed by KAI, the FA-50 has been in service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) since 2013. It is a light combat aircraft derived from the T-50 Golden Eagle light jet trainer, developed by KAI alongside Lockheed Martin. 

The aircraft is designed for multi-roles including light air-to-air, air-to-ground, and tactical reconnaissance missions. It is powered by a General Electric F404-GE-102 turbofan engine with 17,700 lbs of thrust.

According to several defense media outlets, the majority of the FA-50s would be assembled in Peru, with some components produced locally.

The FA-50s are intended to replace the Peruvian government精东影业 Cessna A-37B Dragonfly, which was used until 2023 by Air Group No. 7 in Piura, and the Aermacchi MB-339, operated by Air Squadron No. 513 of Air Group No. 51 in Pisco. Currently, Air Group No. 7 operates the KT-1.

The potential acquisition of the FA-50 is viewed by Peru as a strategic move towards participating in South Korea’s KF-21 fifth-generation fighter program. This may be to South Korea精东影业 advantage, since Indonesia has reduced its financial involvement in the program.

The KAI KF-21 Boramae is a fighter aircraft development program with the goal of producing an advanced multirole fighter for the South Korean and Indonesian air forces.听

Austria orders 12 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-07-05

Takeoffs and landings of both domestic and international flights were either suspended or delayed at the airport between 01:46 and 04:44 local time, Seoul-based media outlet Yonhap News reported, citing airport officials.

An airport spokesperson told CNN that several balloons were spotted in and around the airport boundaries. One balloon landed on the tarmac near passenger Terminal 2 and the three runways at Incheon were temporarily shut down.

Incheon Airport is located approximately 40 kilometers from the North Korean border. The spokesperson also added that this is not the first instance where operations at the airport had been disrupted by balloons sent from the north.

Since late May 2024, North Korea has flown rubbish-filled balloons into South Korea. To date, more than 1,500  balloons have been sent, most filled with cigarette butts, soiled clothing, soil containing fecal matter, and parasites.

North Korea reportedly said that these are a retaliation to South Korean activists sending leaflets containing materials criticizing the regime of its leader Kim Jong Un.

Japan, South Korea report ballistic missile launches from North Korea

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-04-22

South Korea ordered the P-8A submarine hunters in September 2018, with Boeing contracted to complete the production of six aircraft by 2023.  

The first three units have now been delivered to the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) following the training of its personnel in the US. 

To commemorate their arrival, a synchronized flight was conducted with the P-3 maritime patrol aircraft, the current mainstay of the Navy’s maritime patrol operations.听

The P-8 Poseidon: a significant upgrade for South Korea’s submarine hunting capabilities 

The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is a multi-role maritime patrol aircraft, equipped with a naval search radar for search and tracking capability. It can also be fitted, both internally and externally, with an array of armaments dedicated to submarine and anti-ship warfare, such as torpedoes, mines, depth charges, and anti-ship missiles. 

The P-8A boasts a top speed of approximately 490 knots, surpassing the P-3’s maximum speed of around 405 knots. Additionally, the P-8A offers an extended operational radius, capable of covering greater distances without refueling, enhancing its effectiveness in extended maritime patrol missions, including submarine hunting. 

鈥淭he introduction of Poseidon has made it possible to carry out enhanced maritime air operations, including improving anti-submarine capabilities against North Korean submarines, as well as rapid response capabilities in the event of future maritime operations and expansion of surveillance capabilities in our waters,鈥� the ROKN commented, as quoted by .听

In July 2022, the ROKN created a new Naval Air Command located at Pohang Air Base and focused on Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations. The new command absorbed the P-3 maritime patrol aircraft of the ROKN精东影业 6th Air Wing and will now operate the Poseidon fleet. 

Three additional P-8A Poseidon aircraft are expected to arrive on June 30, 2024. Pilot training and operational deployment, including maritime live-fire training, will commence, with full operational deployment anticipated by mid-2025. 

New Zealand to deploy P-8A aircraft in Japan to monitor N. Korean marine ops

• Defense

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-04-10

Indonesia’s reduced payment of $437 million, much less than the $1.16 billion initially pledged, has raised concerns about South Korea shouldering the financial burden for the project, Seok Jong-gun, chief of South Korea精东影业 Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), said in an interview with the . 

There are lingering concerns about Indonesia’s financial reliability, as it has yet to pay the remaining $145 million of its reduced commitment. South Korea plans to monitor Indonesia’s actions closely before proceeding with full technology transfers. 

鈥淲e should not be stabbed in the back again, and we won鈥檛 be,鈥� Seok said. 鈥淲e can determine our level of response by monitoring the other party精东影业 response. The technology transfer will be pursued in accordance with how Indonesia reacts.鈥� 

In addition to the financial woes surrounding the program, trust between the two nations was likely eroded further when two Indonesian engineers working at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) were accused of trying to save sensitive information onto eight USB drives. The joint investigation opened by the DAPA, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC) is ongoing.  

鈥淚f the investigation results show that a significant technology leak has occurred, we would reconsider cooperating at all in joint development,鈥� Seok said. 

Despite these setbacks, the head of DAPA stated that completing the KF-21 by its 2026 deadline remains a priority, and technology transfer and prototype provision are still part of the deal. 

Indonesian engineers accused of classified data leak on KAI KF-21 Boramae fighter

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-02-05

What is the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet?  

The KF-21 Boramae, a product of the KF-X program, was initiated in 2015 as a collaborative venture be 

The KF-21 features a passive stealth design and advanced avionics. With a wingspan of 11.2 meters (36.7 feet), it is powered by two GE Aviation F414 engines, the same as those in F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Saab JAS 39E/F Gripens.

It has a range of 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) and a top speed of 2,200 kilometers per hour (1,367 miles per hour). With a maximum thrust of 44,000 pounds, the jet supports a maximum takeoff weight of 25,600 kilograms (56,218 pounds) and a maximum weapon load of 7,700 kilograms (17,000 pounds).听

While its design resembles 5th-generation fighter jets, it lacks an internal weapon bay, leading Korean media to classify it as a “4.5-generation fighter.”听

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has set a target to procure 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032, intending to replace aging aircraft such as the F-4E and F-5E in its fleet. On January 10, 2024, DAPA confirmed that KAI was on track to start production of the KF-21 fighter jet in 2024.    

South Korea’s KF-21 fighter jet completes successful aerial refueling test

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-03-22

Under the partnership Archer Aviation and KakaoMobility, a mobility as a service (MaaS) platform service company, have agreed a joint participation in the K-UAM Grand Challenge.听听

K-UAM Grand Challenge is aimed at building public support for eVTOLs through public demonstrations of the aircraft in flight from late 2024.  

KakaoMobility, along with its consortium partners LG UPlus and GS E&C, have chosen Archer as their partner to ensure they reach their goal of conducting public demonstration flights with eVTOLs. 

The Korean government has set the goal of commercializing urban air mobility in the country by the mid-2020s, and in support of that objective the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) is hosting the K-UAM Grand Challenge. 

KakaoMobility精东影业 planned purchase of Archer精东影业 eVTOL Midnight, is valued up to $250 million with pre-delivery payments also expected in 2025.The company plans to own and operate Archer精东影业 Midnight aircraft in South Korea, offering electric air taxi flights to its over 30 million registered users on its Kakao T mobile app starting as early as 2026.   

KakaoMobility and Archer anticipate starting the service in Seoul, one of the most congested cities in the world, where the average commuter spends nearly 90 minutes per day stuck in traffic.听

‘Commitment to transforming the daily commute’

鈥淥ur partnership with Archer is a leap forward for urban mobility,鈥� Christopher SungWook Chang, Senior Vice President of KakaoMobility, said. 鈥淲e can鈥檛 wait to debut Archer精东影业 Midnight Aircraft at the K-UAM Grand Challenge in 2024 as a commitment to transforming the daily commute for millions of Kakao T users.鈥� 

He added: 鈥淭he vision is clear 鈥� reduce the hours lost in traffic and elevate everyday travel with an electric air taxi service that features Archer精东影业 Midnight aircraft.鈥� 

will pay Archer $7 million in 2024 as the first installment to help fund early commercialization efforts in Korea, with a second installment in Quarter 1 of 2025.听听听

Under the partnership Archer will also engage with regulators to develop certification and operational standards. 

鈥淎rcher is expanding its international launch strategy to South Korea through this landmark partnership between Archer Aviation and KakaoMobility,鈥� Archer精东影业 Chief Commercial Officer Nikhil Goel, said. 鈥淭ogether, we are committed to revolutionizing transportation with Archer精东影业 eVTOL aircraft, ushering in a future of cleaner, faster, and more efficient travel between and within Korean cities.鈥澨�

Joby Aviation inks Saudi partnership, showcases its eVTOL aircraft in Riyadh: video听

• Aviation Technology and Innovation

byMiquel Ros

2024-05-31

According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the projectiles reached a maximum altitude of around 50 kilometers (about 30 miles), traveled approximately 250 kilometers (about 155 miles), and landed outside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near the east coast of the Korean Peninsula. 

While the details are still being analyzed, no reported damage to aircraft or ships in the vicinity has been reported.  

鈥淣orth Korea’s series of actions, including its repeated launches of ballistic missiles, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community,鈥� the ministry commented in a statement. 鈥淔urthermore, such ballistic missile launches violate relevant Security Council resolutions and are a serious issue concerning national safety. Japan has strongly protested and strongly condemned North Korea.鈥� 

Japanese authorities added they were working closely with international partners, including the United States and South Korea, to collect information regarding the launch. 

鈥淭he military has strengthened surveillance and vigilance in preparation for additional launches,” the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff explained. 鈥淲e strongly condemn North Korea’s missile launch as an obvious provocation that seriously threatens the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula.鈥� 

The South Korean military added that the missile launches were targeted at the island of Alsom, off the coast of Gilju-gun, North Hamgyong Province.听

A map shared by the Japanese authorities shows that the missile followed a similar path to a simulated tactical nuclear strike conducted by North Korea on August 30, 2023, in response to a joint military exercise by the United States and South Korea.  

Back then, the General Staff of the [North] Korean People精东影业 Army said that the two missiles launched from Pyongyang International Airport (FNJ) were targeted at Yang-do Island in the North Hamgyong Province. 

North Korea responds to US-South Korea joint drill with simulated nuclear strike

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2023-08-31

The single-seat prototype, designed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), took off from the 3rd Flying Training Wing of the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), based in Sacheon Airport (HIN). 

鈥淲e have secured [the KF-21精东影业] long-distance operational capabilities,鈥� DAPA Director General Seok Jong-geon commented. 

Despite the turbulence generated during the process, the KF-21 successfully demonstrated its ability to safely connect and disconnect during an aerial refueling test. The test was conducted with a Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) KC-330 Cygnus MRTT tanker aircraft, and evaluations were carried out to ensure the seamless transfer of fuel.听

DAPA has stated that the successful test sets the stage for future missions where actual fuel will be transferred under different flight conditions, such as various altitudes and speeds. 

Aerial refueling is a critical feature for modern fighter jets, allowing them to significantly extend their operational radius and duration. By connecting with a tanker aircraft mid-flight and transferring fuel, the KF-21 can maximize its effectiveness in long-distance missions, enhancing the ROKAF’s future combat power. 

What is the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet? 

The KF-21 Boramae is a fighter aircraft developed through the KF-X program, a joint venture between South Korea and Indonesia. It is equipped with two GE Aviation engines, the same type used in F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Saab JAS 39E/F Gripens.  

Indonesian engineers accused of classified data leak on KAI KF-21 Boramae fighter

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-02-05

DAPA hopes to finalize a contract with KAI by the first half of 2024, and production of the KF-21 is expected to start later in the year. Mass production of the fighter is planned to begin in 2026, with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) expecting to acquire 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032. These aircraft will replace the ROKAF’s aging fleet, which includes the F-4E and F-5E fighters.听

South Korea精东影业 KF-21 fighter jet production gears up for 2024 launch

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-01-11

Asiana Airlines confirmed the departure of its last 鈥楺ueen of the Sky鈥� on February 28, 2024, in a social media post.听听

The Boeing 747-400, registered HL7428, joined the South Korean airline in 1999, becoming Asiana Airline精东影业 third 747 in the fleet.  

When HL7428 retires from Asiana Airlines, it will not only be the departure of the carrier精东影业 last operating Boeing 747-400 but also South Korea精东影业.  

鈥淭he last B747-400 passenger plane in Korea. Queen of the Sky B747 started its first operation in 1999.听Getting ready to say goodbye after a long flight,鈥� Asiana wrote on its Instagram page.听听

HL7428 is scheduled to take its last flight on March 25, 2024, and the aircraft will spend the weeks leading up to its retirement on operations between Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).听听听

[饾棙饾棭饾棙饾棥饾棫] Farewell B747馃洬

雽�頃滊甑潣 毵堨毵� B747-400 鞐皾旮�
1999雲� 觳� 鞖错暛鞚� 鞁滌瀾頃� B747鞚�
鞛戨硠鞚� 欷�牍勴晿瓿� 鞛堨柎鞖� 馃槩

鞎勳嫓鞎勲倶頃车 鞚胳姢韮�攴鸽灗鞐愳劀
B747鞚� 鞙勴暅 甑侩皵鞚� 氅旍嫓歆�鞕� 頃粯
鞎炿挙臧� 霕戧皺鞚� 雼柎毳� 雽撽竴搿� 雼晞欤检劯鞖�

臧愳偓鞚� 毵堨潓鞚� 雼挫潃 鞀ろ儉氩呾姢 霑§姢 鞏� 霛茧柤 靹疙姼霌滊Υ瓴岇殧!

— 鞎勳嫓鞎勲倶頃车 AsianaAirlines (@Flyasiana)

To mark the occasion Asiana is asking people to comment on its Instagram with a chance to win a Starbucks Latte set.  

The airline is also offering 30% off tickets for flights on the Boeing 747-400 until the final day on March 25, 2024.  

Lufthansa currently operates the largest fleet of Boeing 747-400s, with eight still flying the 鈥楺ueen of the Sky鈥� flag. 

Other airlines still operating the Boeing 747-400 include Atlas Air, Air Atlanta Europe and Air China.听

Korean Air to finalize sale of Asiana Cargo division by October 2024听

• Airlines
• Aviation

byLuke Peters

2024-02-20

The incident reportedly involved two engineers trying to save sensitive information onto eight USB drives, according to a representative from the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) quoted by Yonhap.  

The information allegedly includes details about avionics, such as the indigenously developed Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar equipping the fighter, along with classified data from US and EU suppliers subject to export agreements with South Korea, and thus unavailable to Indonesia.  

A joint investigation was opened by the DAPA, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC). 

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the issue, emphasizing that it was in contact with the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant organizations to secure information on the situation. However, it contradicted the DAPA report and claimed that only one engineer was involved. 

“There was only one engineer who leaked data, and we are investigating the matter,鈥� Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, the spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told local media. “The [Indonesian embassy to South Korea] has spoken with the said engineer, and we have confirmed that the person in question is not being detained.” 

What is the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet?  

The KF-21 Boramae, a product of the KF-X program, is a collaborative venture between South Korea and Indonesia initiated in 2015.  

The KF-21 features a passive stealth design and advanced avionics. With a wingspan of 11.2 meters (36.7 feet), the KF-21 is powered by two F414 engines from GE Aviation, the same engines propelling F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Saab JAS 39E/F Gripens. It boasts a range of 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) and a top speed of 2,200 kilometers per hour (1,367 miles per hour). Thanks to a maximum thrust of 44,000 pounds, the fighter jet carries a substantial maximum takeoff weight of 25,600 kilograms (56,218 pounds) and a maximum weapon load capacity of 7,700 kilograms (17,000 pounds). 

Though its design might evoke US-made 5th-generation fighter jets, it differs on several points, notably the absence of an internal weapon bay. Thus, it has been categorized by Korean media as a “4.5 generation fighter.” 

The maiden flight of the inaugural aircraft prototype occurred on July 19, 2022, achieving supersonic speed on January 17, 2023. Six KF-21 prototypes have successfully undergone various performance assessments, including night flight and weapon separation tests. 

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has set a target to procure 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032, with the intention of replacing aging aircraft such as the F-4E and F-5E in its fleet. 

On January 10, 2024, DAPA confirmed that KAI was on track to start production of the KF-21 fighter jet in 2024.   

South Korea精东影业 KF-21 fighter jet production gears up for 2024 launch

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-01-11

An uneasy cooperation听

When South Korea and Indonesia agreed to jointly develop a fighter jet in 2015, the latter pledged to cover 20% of the KF-21 development cost, now estimated to reach 8.1 trillion won (approximately $6.1 billion) by 2026.  

However, renegotiations between the countries started in 2017 when Indonesia failed to provide the full amount scheduled for payment that year. Though it was announced that both parties reached a deal in December 2021 regarding future payments, the timeline is reportedly still not finalized. 

To this day, Indonesia’s payments reportedly total only 227.2 billion won (approximately $190 million), resulting in an outstanding overdue amount of approximately 1 trillion won (approximately $835 million). According to the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, a budget of 106.5 billion won (approximately $80 million) has been earmarked for payments to proceed in 2024. 

In early January 2024, it was revealed that the Indonesian government postponed a plan to procure 12 Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from Qatar due to fiscal limitations. The fighters were meant as an interim measure while awaiting the delivery of 42 Rafale jets ordered directly from Dassault Aviation. 

Indonesia triggers final tranche of 18 Rafale fighters

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-01-09