Increase B737-8 Fleet to 20 by 2027
"Continued Safety Investments in Aviation Training Center and Hangar"
T'way Air announced on the 14th that it has additionally introduced spare engines for aircraft as part of its expanded safety investments.
The engine is named 'LEAP-1B27' and is a Boeing 737-8 dedicated engine manufactured by CFM International, a joint venture between the U.S. company General Electric (GE) and the French company Safran Aircraft Engines.
With the expansion of medium- and long-haul routes, T'way Air, which operates both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, currently operates one spare engine for the A330-300 and six spare engines for the B737-800NG.
With this spare engine introduction, T'way Air has strengthened its maintenance capabilities in line with the future expansion of the 737-8 fleet. The airline plans to respond swiftly even in unexpected engine-related maintenance situations. Through this, it aims to increase aircraft availability and operational safety, promoting efficient aircraft operation.
The current fleet of two B737-8 aircraft will increase to 20 by the end of 2027, replacing the existing B737-800NG aircraft and modernizing the fleet. The total number of operated aircraft is 38.
T'way Air also stated that it continues to invest in the safety sector. The 'Aviation Training Center,' established in 2020 with an investment of about 10 billion KRW, has been recognized for its excellence, with international aviation officials from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) directly inspecting and experiencing the facility. It has also obtained approval as an Aviation Training Organization (ATO) from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art training facilities such as emergency evacuation slides, fire suppression rooms, first aid practice rooms, emergency equipment rooms, and cabin mock-ups.
In 2022, T'way Air signed a 'Total Care Service Agreement for A330 Engine Management' with Rolls-Royce, introducing Rolls-Royce's advanced engine health monitoring technology. T'way Air explained that this established a safe operation system based on predictability and reliability, going beyond simple engine maintenance support.
Recently, T'way Air became the first domestic low-cost carrier (LCC) to sign a 'Self-Maintenance Facility (Hangar) Construction Project Agreement' with Incheon International Airport Corporation. T'way Air will invest approximately 150 billion KRW to build a hangar on a 20,000-pyeong site. Through this, it plans to reduce dependence on overseas maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and improve maintenance quality, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations.
Additionally, starting next year, T'way Air will sequentially introduce five 'A330-900NEO aircraft,' becoming the first national airline to do so, to modernize its fleet and strengthen operational capabilities. The airline is also aiming to become an eco-friendly airline by reducing carbon emissions.
A T'way Air official said, "With the additional introduction of spare engines for the 737-8 aircraft, we have been able to further strengthen operational safety," adding, "We will continue to prioritize safety through ongoing investments and technological innovation to enhance customer satisfaction and provide the best service."
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