Kumho Signs Civil Aviation Agreement with US

Kumho’s long awaited breakthrough in the area of civil aviation arrived on February 19. That day Kumho Tires CEO Dr Sae Chul Oh visited the US Embassy in Singapore and, on behalf of the South Korean manufacturer, signed a Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) between South Korea and the US. With the signing of this document, the door has been opened for Kumho to supply tyres to civil aircraft that operate in the United States.

Also present at the signing ceremony was Federal Aviation Administration administrator Bobby Sturgell and Jeong Sang Ho, principal shareholder in the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, along with senior management from Kumho Tires.

BASA approval is essential for the international export of civil aviation tyres, as authorities from the US monitor and assess the quality standards of such products produced in other countries; even if full compliance with all technical and other requirements related to civil aviation be met, overseas manufacturers are not permitted to close contracts with American partners unless a BASA has been signed.

Kumho comments that it is one of only about five companies worldwide producing and selling tyres for the civil aviation market. The company adds that the signing of the BASA lays the foundation for future civil aviation operations and partnerships, and is considered a milestone in the history of Kumho Tires.