KAI, TAI ink deal to boost T-50TH support

Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI), Thailand's state-owned aircraft support company, on August 16 to collaborate on the follow-up support needed for the operation of the T-50TH, a supersonic advanced trainer and light combat aircraft developed by KAI.

According to KAI on Monday, this agreement was pursued to establish a stable follow-up support system for the T-50TH aircraft currently operated by the Thai Air Force and to strengthen the strategic partnership for the development of the aviation industries in both countries.

TAI is a state-owned company established in 2003 through joint investment by the Thai Air Force and the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion to promote Thailand's aviation industry.

It is responsible for the maintenance and support of all aircraft operated by the Thai Air Force.

Both sides plan to cooperate to improve the operational rate and enhance the follow-up support capabilities of the T-50TH, while also concretizing long-term cooperation plans, such as establishing an aviation maintenance hub for the Asian market.

KAI is preparing a performance-based logistics (PBL) contract with the Thai Air Force and TAI to ensure the stable operation of the T-50TH throughout its entire lifecycle, based on the advanced defense procurement system, PBL, adopted by the Korean Air Force.

Write to Hyung-Kyu Kim at khk@hankyung.com