Korea Aerospace University (KAU) is strengthening its cooperation with Uzbekistan in aviation education and pilot training.

On September 12, Ilkhom MAKHKAMOV, Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, and his delegation visited KAU to discuss ways to expand cooperation in aviation education and pilot training.

The visit followed KAU President Heo Hee-young’s visit to Uzbekistan in April, where the two sides discussed ways to develop a long-term partnership in aviation education and pilot training.

On April 29, President Heo met with Minister Makhkamov at the Uzbekistan Ministry of Transport. He proposed a step-by-step plan to help Uzbekistan develop into a hub for aviation personnel training in Central Asia.

The two sides agreed to work together toward three main goals: providing international-standard pilot training, training future flight instructors in Uzbekistan, and building a sustainable pilot training system. They also agreed to establish a joint working group to develop and implement these plans.

During the latest visit, the delegation discussed KAU’s international student education programs, the curriculum of the Department of International Studies, training programs for Tashkent State Transport University (TSTU) students, and KAU’s pilot training system.

A major topic was how to train the pilots and aviation professionals needed for the continued growth of Uzbekistan’s aviation industry.

The two sides discussed several specific areas of cooperation, including:

Expanding the joint pilot training program with TSTU, including the Flight Operation 1+2+1 program, as well as joint degree programs with other universities in Uzbekistan

Offering Private Pilot License (PPL) training and simulator training through KAU’s Jeongseok Flight Training Center

Providing government support for flight training in Uzbekistan

Recognizing flight hours completed in Korea and supporting the conversion of pilot licenses and qualifications

Building a stronger pilot training system through cooperation in administrative and institutional areas

KAU plans to use its nearly 40 years of experience in pilot training and its flight training facilities in Korea and the United States to support Uzbekistan’s growing demand for aviation professionals.

KAU’s Flight Training Center began in 1986 as Korea’s first officially accredited flight training institution. Today, KAU operates flight training centers in Jeju, Jeongseok, and Uljin in Korea, as well as a flight training center in Sanford, Florida, in the United States.

“We consider Uzbekistan one of KAU’s most important international education partners,” said President Heo Hee-young. “There is also growing potential for cooperation between Korea and Uzbekistan in the aviation sector.”

He added, “We will continue to develop our partnership so that KAU’s experience and expertise in pilot training can make a meaningful contribution to the development of aviation professionals in Uzbekistan.”

The Uzbekistan Ministry of Transport also expressed strong interest in KAU’s pilot training capabilities and its cooperation with TSTU. The ministry welcomed further cooperation between Korea and Uzbekistan in aviation personnel training.

Meanwhile, KAU plans to expand its flight training facilities in the Jeju area from 2027 and develop the region into a world-class flight training hub. Based on this expanded infrastructure, KAU plans to further strengthen its pilot training partnerships with Uzbekistan and other international institutions.

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Diplomacy Journal