Korean Air has reached a significant milestone, delivering its 5,000th Sharklet, a crucial wing component for the Airbus A320 series, for the first time in 14 years. This achievement showcases the airline’s world-class production capacity and quality management skills, surpassing competitors from Japan and Europe.
On April 23, Korean Air commemorated this accomplishment with a ceremony at its Tech Center in Gangseo-gu, Busan, as announced the following day. The event was attended by key figures including Yoon Jong-seok, Korean Air’s Vice President of Safety and Health and Operations; Benoit Schultz, Airbus’ Chief Procurement Officer; and Lim Jin-kyu, who heads Korean Air’s Aerospace Division.
The Sharklet, an L-shaped structure affixed to A320 aircraft wingtips, is designed to significantly boost aerodynamic performance. It works by preventing turbulence, which in turn reduces air resistance during flight, enhances fuel efficiency, and cuts down on carbon dioxide emissions.
In 2010, Korean Air emerged victorious in an international bid for the A320 series performance enhancement project, beating out competitors from Japan, France, and Germany to become the Sharklet manufacturer. Since producing its first unit in July 2012, the airline has delivered 5,000 units using an advanced auto-moving line facility capable of manufacturing over 50 units monthly.
Yoon Jong-seok emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating that the 5,000th unit represents more than just a production figure. It’s a proud symbol of Korean Air’s proven capabilities as a key player in the global aerospace industry. It’s committed to shaping an even brighter future for the global aerospace sector, underpinned by the commitment to superior quality and reliability.