| Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae speaks in a briefing regarding a plane crash in South Jeolla Province, at a hotel in Seoul, Tuesday. (Jie Ye-eun/The Korea Herald) |
Jeju Air's CEO on Tuesday said the company will reduce its flight operations by 10 to 15 percent until March, aiming to strengthen its operational safety measures in the wake of the recent plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province.
“We are committed to addressing the ongoing situation, reinforcing safety protocols and restoring public trust,” Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae said in a fourth briefing on the incident held at a Seoul hotel later in the day.
The Jeju Air chief also expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and said that funeral services had started earlier the same day, adding that the company is preparing emergency financial support to cover necessary expenses and assist the bereaved families.
Regarding compensation, Kim noted, “We are in detailed discussions with both domestic and international insurers to handle the settlement process.” He further outlined the airline’s enhanced safety measures, which include intensifying aircraft inspections and expanding the maintenance workforce.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of heightened emergency monitoring and pledged to pay close attention to the mental well-being of aviation personnel. “We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety and emotional stability of our staff,” he added.
The airline’s proactive steps come as it seeks to regain public confidence and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Earlier in the day, he sent an internal message to employees, saying, “Rather than assigning blame, let us focus on understanding each other and joining hands. We can and must do what needs to be done for the victims, our customers and ourselves. Let us overcome this challenge together.”
