Korean Air selected as sole Sharklet provider for next Airbus A330neo

HONG KONG – Korean Air has been nominated as the sole provider of A330neo’s wing structure, Sharklet. During the recent bidding held by Airbus, Korean Air beat out distinguished aircraft parts manufacturers to be the sole manufacturer of Sharklet.

 

Korean Air will participate in the design, development, testing and certification of the ‘Sharklet’ component of A330neo, and manufacture the new composite wingtip devices at its Busan facility in South Korea starting 2016.

 

The Sharklet for Airbus A330neo is a raked-tip structure attachment at the end of the wings of an aircraft. It cuts down on aerodynamic drag by reducing spiral shaped vortices at the wingtips of the aircraft and improves aircraft fuel efficiency by 4%. When combined with the latest generation engines fitted to the aircraft, the A330neo will offer a total reduction in fuel consumption of 14% per seat.

 

Recognized with its outstanding aerostructure manufacturing, Korean Air was selected by Airbus to be the supplier of A330neo Sharklet.

 

The A330neo is the new variant of the best-selling A330 fleet of wide body aircraft. The A330neo incorporates eco-friendly design resulting in increased fuel efficiency and reduced noise.

 

Since 2009, Korean Air has demonstrated its outstanding manufacturing ability by producing 2,200 units of Sharklets for A320, which are independently designed and developed by Korean Air. Korean Air has also been carrying out the manufacturing for of A350 cargo door since 2008.

 

Korean Air has played a major role in components manufacturing for both Airbus and Boeing, the world’s most famous aircraft manufacturers.

 

Korean Air has also participated in development of B787’s major components including the composite rear fuselage of the aircraft. Recognized by its outstanding aerostructure manufacturing, Korean Air was also selected by Boeing to be the supplier of B737 MAX winglet.

 

Korean Air utilizes its own technology in manufacturing helicopters and unmanned air vehicles, producing F-5 E/F, UH60 and 500MD since 1976. The airline expanded its business in 1986 to include the manufacturing of civil aircraft components and has been providing key components, such as belly or wings, with cutting-edge technical skill, to the world’s top aircraft manufacturers.