The recent plane crash involving Jeju Air, which occurred in Muan on December 28, has raised alarms as it marks the first fatal incident for the airline since its establishment in 2005. This tragic event is notably anomalous for South Korea, a nation recognized for its robust aviation safety reputation after having endured severe accidents in prior decades.
In a sincere statement on their website, Jeju Air expressed, “We lower our heads in apology to everyone who suffered in the accident. We will do everything we can to deal with this accident.” The airline, which operates numerous domestic and international routes and is named after the popular tourist destination of Jeju Island, was evaluated with an “A” safety grade by the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport last year, indicating a “very good” safety status.
The grading system rates airlines based on the frequency of accidents or near incidents, with Jeju Air amongst the safer airlines in the region. However, this incident questions the airline's safety practices, especially following a 2021 investigation where a plane took off despite a known defect due to crew oversight.
Keith Tonkin, managing director of Aviation Projects, asserted that while this crash is alarming, it does not correlate with broader issues concerning aviation safety in South Korea, labeling the country’s safety record as “very good.” This incident could lead to heightened scrutiny and stress on Jeju Air as they navigate investigations and community relations in the coming weeks.
