South Korea has asked low-cost airlines to prioritize passenger safety over profits following a deadly crash of a plane last month, aiming to restore public trust in its aviation industry. The nation’s transportation ministry directed the nine budget carriers to reduce flight hours, improve pilot training, and hire more maintenance staff. Jeju Air, one of the affected companies, plans to lower average daily flight times from 14 hours to 12.8 hours and add 41 maintenance workers to its staff of 350. The crash, involving a Boeing 737-800 that crashed into a concrete wall at Muan International Airport, killed 179 people and was the deadliest in South Korea since 2018. Travel agencies reported canceled trips following the incident, as fears of safety issues surged among consumers. The ministry emphasized that airlines ignoring safety standards will face backlash from travelers and could disappear. While there is no evidence linking poor maintenance or pilot error to the crash, investigators will examine all factors, including engine systems and weather conditions. The government has warned carriers to adhere strictly to safety protocols; failing to do so could result in loss of flight certificates. Low-cost airlines have faced challenges despite the pandemic, but they face growing cost pressure as they compete to offer cheaper tickets. Experts suggest that some of the proposed measures may not significantly improve safety but could help reduce pilot and maintenance worker fatigue, lowering the risk of errors. One professor noted that basic safety checks are often insufficient compared to Jeju Air’s decision to cut flight hours further. Older planes, while generally safer, require more maintenance as they age. The government’s demands could also increase costs for airlines competing in low-price travel, particularly if they operate with limited resources. Additionally, the government has announced plans to overhaul runway infrastructure, including extending safety zones and building flexible steel localizers at airports to improve landing precision. Investigators are focusing on whether the concrete wall at Muan Airport contributed to the crash or if birds knocked out engine systems during takeoff. The incident has raised concerns about existing safety standards, with violations noted in some airports and airlines. South Korea’s aviation industry faces a complex challenge as it works to rebuild public confidence while addressing safety issues.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/23/world/asia/south-korea-air-crash-safety.html