Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 26, Korean Air and Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) have signed an agreement to build a new advanced aircraft maintenance hangar in the High Tech Aviation Complex at Incheon International Airport. The project involves a joint investment of KRW 176 billion.

The signing ceremony took place at the Grand Hyatt Incheon and was attended by Keehong Woo, Vice Chairman of Korean Air; Hak-jae Lee, President and CEO of IIAC; and over 90 guests from government agencies, local authorities, and the National Assembly.

The new H3 Maintenance Facility will enable comprehensive airframe inspections, component maintenance, and heavy modification work. It will support Korean Air's expansion of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities as the airline prepares for its future integrated operations and aims to establish Incheon as a leading global MRO hub.

"A maintenance hangar is not merely a building; it is a cradle of safety and a vital foundation for upholding Korean Air's top priority of absolute safety," said Vice Chairman Woo in his remarks. "From the earliest design phase, we will ensure this new hangar becomes the safest, most advanced, and most exemplary maintenance base—a true stronghold of aviation safety."

The facility will occupy a 69,299-square-meter site and will be able to accommodate two widebody aircraft and one narrowbody aircraft simultaneously. Construction is scheduled to start in 2027, with completion and the beginning of operations planned for late 2029. Around 300 specialist staff, including Korean Air's experienced maintenance engineers, will work at the site.

"We will work closely with Incheon International Airport Corporation to ensure the seamless and timely progress of the project," said a Korean Air representative. "Guided by our Safety First principle, Korean Air will continue to drive innovation and transformation as we move toward becoming the world's most beloved airline."

In related developments, Korean Air is also proceeding with other major infrastructure investments, including Asia's largest engine maintenance center on Yeongjong Island and a new aviation safety and urban air mobility R&D center in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province.

Separately, Korean Air announced it will introduce new environmentally friendly in-flight meal containers starting this December. The airline will gradually replace existing containers with plant-based alternatives made from non-wood pulp, such as straw, sugarcane, and bamboo. The change will first apply to selected routes and expand to the entire network by the end of 2026, primarily for economy-class Korean and Western main dishes.

The new containers do not require tree felling, offer high heat resistance and durability, and are expected to reduce related carbon emissions by around 60 percent.

"This transition to new in-flight meal containers is an essential long-term investment in environmental protection and sustainable operations," said a Korean Air representative. "We remain committed to advancing our sustainability initiatives, aligning with global decarbonisation trends in aviation, and delivering greater value to our customers."