SEOUL, December 30 (AJP) - The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport said Monday it has launched special inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by domestic airlines, following the tragic Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport that left 179 people dead.
During a press briefing at the Government Complex in Sejong, Joo Jong-wan, head of the ministry’s Aviation Policy Office, said the government is prioritizing a thorough review of maintenance systems and operational compliance to bolster aviation safety.
The investigation is set to involve the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which will dispatch a team for assistance. The ministry is also coordinating with Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, and CFMI, the U.S.-France joint venture that produces the aircraft's engines, Joo said.
The Boeing 737-800 is a mainstay for South Korea’s low-cost carriers. Jeju Air operates 39 of the planes, the largest fleet among domestic airlines, followed by T’way Air with 27, Jin Air with 19, Eastar Jet with 10, Air Incheon with 4, and Korean Air with 2.
The ministry confirmed plans to examine operational records, including pre- and post-flight inspections, maintenance logs, and compliance with safety standards.
“This review will assess whether all regulations have been properly followed, from maintenance routines to operational procedures,” said a ministry spokesperson.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
