Over the past five years, Jeju Air has faced the most fines and administrative actions among all Korean airlines. Despite this, the airline has shown consistent improvements in its safety performance, according to CEO Kim Yi-bae. Speaking at a press conference, he emphasized the airline’s rigorous adherence to its maintenance protocols, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring that nothing is overlooked in their checks.
Kim stated that any lapse in maintenance would be treated as a serious issue, underscoring the company’s commitment to maintaining safety standards. He assured that the airline continues to refine its operations to address past shortcomings and prevent future incidents.
Second Incident Involving Landing Gear
Kim also addressed a separate incident involving a Jeju Air flight that experienced landing gear issues on Monday. The aircraft, another Boeing 737-800, was forced to return to Seoul’s international airport after the pilot observed that the casing for the landing gear access was slightly ajar. The pilot promptly reported the anomaly, and the plane was returned to the airport for maintenance checks. Kim confirmed that the aircraft had been declared safe following the incident.
This issue occurred shortly after a deadly crash involving a Boeing 737-800 on Sunday, raising concerns about the model’s reliability. However, Kim did not attribute any systemic faults to the aircraft type during his address.
Support for Grieving Staff and Families
Turning to the aftermath of Sunday’s crash at Muan Airport, Kim spoke about the emotional toll on the airport staff. Many employees are reportedly struggling with grief, and Kim acknowledged the need for additional support measures. He stated that Jeju Air has deployed staff to Muan Airport to offer counseling and emotional support to bereaved families and affected workers.
Kim expressed his condolences to those who lost loved ones in the crash, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to assisting families during this challenging time. He highlighted the company’s dedication to addressing the emotional needs of its employees and the impacted community.
The CEO closed the press conference by reiterating the airline’s focus on safety and accountability. While acknowledging past challenges, he pointed out Jeju Air’s proactive measures to enhance its safety protocols and operational standards. He assured reporters that the company remains committed to ensuring passenger and crew safety while addressing the concerns arising from recent incidents.
Kim’s remarks signal Jeju Air’s efforts to restore public trust and reinforce its reputation as a reliable carrier amidst scrutiny and ongoing investigations into the recent crash.
