FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Seoul, South Korea / Coral Springs, Florida — CTS Engines (“CTS”), a leading independent engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, today announced the appointment of Kwang Ju (KJ) Lee as Senior Director, Business Development – Asia. In this role, Lee will lead CTS’s regional business development efforts across Asia, with a primary focus on Korea, where he will also oversee the company’s Korean office in Seoul.
Lee brings more than three decades of aviation industry experience spanning airline engineering, quality management, and global aftermarket sales. His deep technical background and long-standing relationships within the Korean aerospace market will further strengthen CTS’s growing presence in the region.
“KJ’s experience is a rare combination of airline engineering, regulatory knowledge, and proven commercial leadership,” said Vesa Paukkeri, Chief Commercial Officer of CTS Engines. “He has spent his career working directly with the customers, fleets, and platforms that align closely with CTS’s core engine programs. Establishing a dedicated presence in Korea under KJ’s leadership reinforces our long-term commitment to supporting operators in Asia with responsive, technically grounded solutions.”
Prior to joining CTS, Lee spent 23 years with Chromalloy Gas Turbine, where he served in sales and marketing roles supporting major Korean customers, including Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Hanwha Aerospace. Earlier in his career at Chromalloy, he worked as a technical representative for five years, supporting the CFM56 and CF6-80C2 engine platforms.
He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northrop Rice Aviation and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Korea University. Lee maintains FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification, as well as an A&P license issued by MOLIT, the Korean aviation authority. He also holds a B747-400 type rating from MOLIT and has completed Level II NDI/NDT certification.
“With CTS’s strong technical foundation and growing global footprint, I see a clear opportunity to deliver long-term value to operators in Korea and across Asia,” said Lee. “I’m excited to establish CTS with a local presence in Seoul and to work closely with customers to support their fleets engine needs.”
About CTS Engines
CTS Engines is a leading independent MRO specializing in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircraft engines, redefining MRO Services with flexible solutions to support operators worldwide. Operating from its brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in Coral Springs, Florida, CTS Engines provides comprehensive maintenance, repair, overhaul, and testing services for wide-body aircraft engines. As an independent MRO, the company supports a diverse portfolio of commercial and military operators worldwide, delivering tailored, cost-effective solutions that extend engine life and enhance operational performance. Since its founding in 2002, CTS Engines has built a reputation for technical excellence, operational flexibility, and exceptional customer service. The new facility marks the next phase in the company’s ongoing investment in innovation, increased capacity, and long-term sustainment capabilities.
Media contact:
Paula Llamas
pllamas@ctsengines.com
