South Korea’s transport ministry launched a safety probe into Jeju Air following a passenger plane accident at Muan International Airport, highlighting concerns over the budget carrier’s operational practices.
The airline’s aircraft utilization rate of 418 hours per month in the third quarter stands as the highest among Korean carriers, surpassing both Korean Air and Asiana Airlines by more than 60 hours. The intensive schedule saw the accident-involved flight 7C2216 complete 13 trips within 48 hours across multiple destinations including Bangkok and Nagasaki.
Adding to the concerns, Jeju Air operates the oldest fleet among domestic carriers, with an average age of 14.4 years, compared to Korean Air’s 11.4 years and Air Busan’s 9.7 years. The company’s safety record shows nine regulatory violations since 2020, resulting in multiple operational suspensions and fines totaling 3.74 billion won ($2.9 million).
Aviation experts note the increased aircraft utilization across the industry following Covid-19, as airlines operate smaller fleets to meet rising travel demand. The transport ministry confirmed the airline’s high utilization rates and announced plans for thorough safety inspections of the carrier’s operations.
