On June 5, Korea Aerospace University (KAU) and Airbus Korea successfully co-hosted the 2025 AIRBUS 101 event. Since 2017, KAU—a university specializing in aerospace—and Airbus, a leading European aircraft manufacturer, have jointly organized this event as an extracurricular program aimed at fostering integrated thinking and innovative capabilities in the aerospace industry.

AIRBUS 101 is an annual competition under the theme of “Innovative Ideas for Airlines and Aircraft Manufacturers.” It invites students to explore creative and practical solutions for the sustainable development of the aviation industry—including manufacturing, airlines, airports, and related sectors—from engineering, business, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Students work in teams to analyze industry-wide challenges and propose viable solutions, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the aerospace field.

This year’s event began with an opening ceremony and guest lectures by Airbus employees held inside the Airbus A300-600 aircraft located on the KAU campus. In the second part of the event, held in the university auditorium, participating teams presented their ideas and engaged in a talk session with Airbus staff. Notable attendees included Airbus employees Robert Lindsay (Head of Training Services), Eric Cursan (Field Service Manager), Jimmy Lee (Field Service Representative), Karen Ko (e x e cutive Assistant), Seyoung Park (Innovation & Sustainability Development), and Ayeong Choi (Intern, KAU student), along with KAU professors Hwang Wansik, Kim Byungkyu, Jang Daesung, Song Woonkyung, Kim Hyunmi, Kim Hyunah, Park Yujin, Lee Sanghak, and Jang Inmo, as well as event advisors Professors Kim Kwangeun and Park Suhyun.

Airbus staff judged the team presentations based on creativity, feasibility, completeness, and delivery. First place was awarded to the team “Let’s Live on Advanced Materials” (Park Jihwan, Kang Junwoo, Kim Jungwon, Lee Hyunjae) for proposing an energy harvesting system using diverse materials on airport runways. Second place went to “Airvolution” (Nam Siwoong, Oh Daegyo, Won Jonghoon, Na Jese) for developing a smart overhead bin capable of fire suppression. Third place was awarded to “AIRgorithm” (Kang Seongwoo, Na Yeonsu, Son Jina, Jeong Wooyoung) for proposing an AI-based collision avoidance system between landing aircraft and ground vehicles.

Now in its ninth year, the 2025 AIRBUS 101 event offered participants meaningful opportunities to broaden their understanding of the aerospace industry and explore career paths. Through this event, students explored real-world innovation challenges and gained practical insights through interaction with Airbus professionals. We extend our sincere thanks to Korea Aerospace University and Airbus Korea for their generous support and look forward to seeing AIRBUS 101 continue to serve as a valuable platform for nurturing future leaders in the aerospace industry.