![(fourth from left) Choi Ji-hoon, head of KAI\'s VIP Helicopter Team, and (right) Thomas Neumann, UAG CEO [Photo provided by KAI]](https://contents-cdn.viewus.co.kr/image/2026/03/CP-2024-0005/image-68185c1f-0195-4a10-915d-169c4de55759.jpeg)
[The Public — Reporter Yoo Su-jin] Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said March 12 that it staged a joint exhibit with aviation services firm United Aero Group (UAG) at Verticon 2026 on March 10 as part of a push into the global helicopter market.
Verticon 2026 ran March 10–12 in Atlanta, Georgia. The show is the world’s largest rotary‑wing industry exhibition, drawing manufacturers, operators, MRO providers and government aviation officials from around the globe.
UAG, headquartered in Florida, offers helicopter MRO, parts sales and leasing. The company acquired KAI’s LCH (Light Civil Helicopter) in 2025 and signed an MOU at ADEX to pursue a strategic partnership aimed at global market entry.
At the booth, KAI displayed scale models of military- and government‑derived variants built around the Surion firefighting helicopter. A video presentation highlighted the LAH (Light Armed Helicopter) platform and introduced a LAUH (Light Armed Utility Helicopter) derivative concept for international customers.
KAI said the UAG partnership provides a practical bridge into overseas civil markets. Working with global operators, government contacts and industry partners, the company intends to expand maintenance and supply networks for exported helicopters and jointly pursue foreign civil airworthiness certifications.
A KAI spokesperson said, “Verticon offered an important platform to demonstrate KAI’s technology and the scalability of our platforms in the global rotary‑wing market. Through cooperation with UAG, we aim to expand business opportunities in North America and beyond.”
