S. Korea-UAE aviation talks fall through following failed jet trainer deal

SEOUL, Feb. 27 (Yonhap) -- Aviation talks between South Korea and the United Arab
Emirates (UAE) fell through Friday following the failed bid by a local company to
sell military jet trainers to the Middle East country, the government said.
The two-day-long talks that centered on opening new direct air-routes linking
South Korea's Incheon International Airport and Abu Dhabi made no headway and
have been effectively called off, the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime
Affairs said.
It said the announcement by UAE, which picked Italy's M-346 jet made by Alenia
Aermacchi over the T-50, built by Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) on
Wednesday adversely affected negotiations.
The deal estimated to be worth US$1.27 billion, called for the building of 48
jets that would have marked the first sale of advanced aircraft by South Korea.
The ministry said UAE officials asked for the creation of new routes that could
help Abu Dhabi become a new regional tourist and transportation hub.
The second largest city in the UAE has been using its extensive oil money to
build up competitiveness in financial services, tourism and other manufacturing
sectors. It has asked foreign countries for more direct flights that could
enhance access to the city that is vital for fueling business investment.
At present, South Korea maintains a direct air route between Incheon and Dubai,
the largest city in the Middle East country.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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