Jeju Air to Cut Routes by 10-15% Amid Crash Investigation
South Korea’s Jeju Air announced plans to reduce its network by 10-15% during the northern winter season to allocate more time for aircraft maintenance and inspections. This decision follows a crash at Muan Airport on December 29, 2024, prompting Korean police to search Jeju Air’s Seoul offices for maintenance and aircraft data.
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae stated the cuts aim to alleviate employee workload and ensure maintenance resources. Regulatory filings reveal Jeju Air’s aircraft flew an average of 418 hours per month from July to September 2024, the highest among Korean airlines, compared to 355 hours for Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. Despite concerns, Kim maintained that the airline was not overburdening its fleet or staff.
The police investigation includes searches of Jeju Air’s offices, Muan Airport facilities, and the local aviation authority. Authorities have banned CEO Kim from leaving the country as part of the probe. The crash, involving a Boeing 737-800 (HL8088), resulted in 179 fatalities. Investigators are analyzing flight recorder data and conducting inspections of all Korean-registered B737-800 aircraft.
South Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-mok called for rigorous inspections of airline operations, maintenance practices, and training programs to address public concerns over safety. The airline has yet to confirm which routes will be affected, but adjustments are expected on overlapping services with alternative carriers.
This tragic incident has intensified scrutiny of Jeju Air’s operational practices and safety standards.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com