Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume II - International: Korean Air

Korean Air, the national flag carrier of the Republic of Korea, was founded in November 1962 when its predecessor, Korean National Airlines, introduced two planes, the DC-3 and DC-4, to start regular domestic service. Since Korean Air took over the management of the state-run carrier, the company has undergone a remarkable transformation, achieving the status of one of the world's most advanced airlines and becoming a major force in Korea's drive to enter the world aerospace market.

Today, as part of the Hanjin group, Korean Air remains South Korea's largest air carrier and one of the world's largest cargo shippers.

In the defense/aerospace sector, Korean Air's Aerospace Division set up the country's first aircraft manufacturing facilities in 1976. To date, Korean Air's Aerospace Division has completed more than 200 Hughes 500D and 500MD light combat helicopters and 70-plus Northrop F-5E and F-5F fighters. In addition to these major aircraft-production programs, the Aerospace Division also makes various aircraft parts, such as track fairings and extended wingtips for 747s, and target drones for Northrop Grumman. This construction of aircraft components is designed to pave the way for eventual indigenous aircraft design and production.Korean Air employs some 20,857 people.