Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Embraer to establish cooperation in aircraft structures.

The MOU sets out a framework for identifying future areas of collaboration and exploring business opportunities between the two companies. Cooperation is expected to cover research and development for new technologies, along with the identification of opportunities across aircraft structures more broadly.

The scope of the agreement extends to design, engineering, manufacturing and quality control, with both companies prioritising the optimisation of manufacturing processes and improved cost competitiveness. KAI and Embraer intend to combine their respective aerospace engineering, aircraft development and manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on strengthening technological and industrial competitiveness and improving manufacturing efficiency.

KAI President Kim Jong-chul says: “This MOU with Embraer represents a significant step forward in expanding KAI's international partnerships with leading global aerospace companies. We look forward to working closely together to explore future collaboration possibilities based on our shared interest in aircraft structures and future aerospace technologies.”

The agreement builds on both companies' existing positions in the aerospace supply chain, with KAI's engineering base and Embraer's aircraft development and manufacturing experience forming the basis for the planned cooperation. Further details on specific programmes or timelines have not been disclosed.