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SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), South Korea's aircraft manufacturer, said Thursday its net profit jumped 41.4 percent in the first quarter from a year ago, backed by strong aircraft orders at home and abroad.
Net profit came to 41.3 billion won (US$28.4 million) in the first three months of this year, up from 29.2 billion won a year ago, the company said in a regulatory filing.
Operating profit also surged 43.4 percent on-year in the January-March period to 67.1 billion won.
Sales rose 56.3 percent to 1.09 trillion won, marking the largest-ever quarterly revenue.
In this file photo, the first mass-produced KF-21 fighter jet is unveiled during a ceremony marking its rollout at the headquarters of Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. in the southeastern city of Sacheon on March 25, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
KAI attributed its improved earnings to a series of large-scale contracts.
New orders in the first quarter rose 29.4 percent on-year to 309.3 billion won, including projects related to KF-21 radar integration and an FA-50 logistics support system for the Philippines.
Aircraft exports jumped 79.5 percent to 307.1 billion won, driven by the delivery of two T-50 trainer jets to Indonesia and revenue recognition from FA-50 export programs for Malaysia and Poland.
Looking ahead, KAI said planned deliveries of KF-21 fighter jets to the South Korean Air Force in the second half of this year, along with exports of T-50 trainer jets to Indonesia and FA-50 light attack aircraft to Malaysia, are expected to support sales growth in 2026.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
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