GE Aerospace Marks 25 Years of Wing Support Operations in South Korea

GE Aerospace Marks 25 Years of Wing Support Operations in South Korea

A Quarter Century of Growth and Innovation

In 2000, GE Aerospace established its On Wing Support (OWS) hub within Asiana Airlines’ maintenance facility at Seoul’s Gimpo Airport. What began as a modest operation with a small team working from a single engine bay has since grown into a vital component of GE Aerospace’s presence in Asia. Over the past 25 years, the Seoul OWS facility has expanded significantly, now employing 76 staff members and occupying a 72,100-square-foot workshop within the Gimpo Aerospace Industrial Complex. The team provides comprehensive support to a broad range of airlines operating GE Aerospace and CFM International engines, reflecting both the rapid expansion of South Korea’s aviation sector and GE’s deepening regional partnerships.

From Local Service to Regional Leadership

Initially focused on servicing Asiana Airlines’ fleet, the Seoul OWS operation has evolved into a regional leader in engine maintenance and support. Site Leader Yong-Hwan Seo recalls the early days when the team consisted of just 10 individuals serving a single customer in a limited space. Today, the facility delivers maintenance and rapid-response engine services to more than 130 airlines across a vast geographic area extending from India to Australia and New Zealand. Handling approximately 70 engines annually, the team operates continuously to minimize aircraft downtime, maintaining the rigorous standards synonymous with GE Aerospace. Seo attributes the facility’s sustained success to the dedication, passion, and integrity of its workforce, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to quality and customer service.

Strategic Expansion Amidst Market Competition

The growth of the Seoul OWS facility has been marked by key milestones, including the introduction of maintenance capabilities for GEnx engines in 2011 and CFM LEAP engines in 2016. These advanced powerplants, which power aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, 747-8, Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, and COMAC C919, have driven increased demand for expert maintenance services. The facility’s ability to rapidly deploy technicians and perform on-site repairs has become a critical advantage, particularly in urgent aircraft-on-ground (AOG) situations, helping to reduce operational disruptions for airlines.

As competition intensifies within the Korean aviation maintenance market, GE Aerospace’s leadership remains strong. The recent decision by Korean Air to select GE engines for its fleet underscores the company’s dominant position in the region. Marking 25 years of service, the Seoul OWS facility continues to exemplify technical expertise, swift response capabilities, and a steadfast commitment to meeting customer needs in a dynamic and competitive environment.