KASA project to invest 21.5 billion won by 2030

Move gets ahead of expected surge in global airliner demand by 2030

Busan Techno Park to lead, with Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Dong-A University and Korea Institute of Materials Convergence Technology taking part

Equipment and full-cycle processes for the demonstration infrastructure supporting next-generation aircraft parts manufacturing [Busan City]
Equipment and full-cycle processes for the demonstration infrastructure supporting next-generation aircraft parts manufacturing [Busan City]

Busan announced Thursday that it had been selected for the Korea AeroSpace Administration's "next-generation aircraft parts advanced manufacturing demonstration infrastructure" project.

The city was chosen for the KASA-run project on Aug. 16. Following a kickoff meeting Wednesday, it will move forward with building demonstration infrastructure and providing technical support to develop next-generation aircraft parts. Busan Techno Park will serve as the lead agency, with Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Dong-A University and the Korea Institute of Materials Convergence Technology participating as co-development institutions. Local government, industry, academia and research bodies plan to work together to help regional aerospace companies innovate and break into global supply chains.

By 2030, the city plans to invest a total of 21.5 billion won, including 15 billion won ($11.2 million) in state funds and 6.5 billion won in city funds. The funding will build infrastructure for demonstrating advanced manufacturing processes for next-generation aircraft parts, provide technical support, and form networks to enter global supply chains. This will lay the groundwork for Busan to become a hub for the future aerospace industry.

The project is particularly aimed at getting ahead of an expected surge in global demand for civil aircraft and a reshaping of supply chains by 2030. The city will link the effort to a leading AI-based autonomous manufacturing project and build infrastructure to demonstrate high-speed production technology and advanced manufacturing processes for large composite airframe structures. It will also provide full life-cycle technical support — including research and development, certification and technical consulting — to strengthen technological competitiveness. It will also support networking with global original equipment manufacturers to help local firms take part in international joint development programs, known as risk-sharing partnerships.

"We will push ahead, without a hitch, from building the foundation for Busan to become an advanced manufacturing hub for the next-generation aerospace industry to technology demonstration and corporate support," Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo said. "This will strengthen the competitiveness of local aerospace companies and help them enter global supply chains."


kaf2002@heraldcorp.com