Aircraft Involved in Deadly Crash Operated Excessive Flights Prior to Incident

Jeju Air Co.’s Boeing B737-800 Served as Charter Flight

SEOUL, South Korea: The Jeju Air Co. aircraft involved in a deadly crash that claimed 179 lives operated 13 flights in 48 hours prior to the incident, raising concerns over excessive usage in a short period of time, according to industry sources.

The Boeing B737-800, which is believed to have experienced a landing gear malfunction during its descent at Muan International Airport on Sunday, travelled between Muan, Jeju Island, and Incheon, west of Seoul, in the prior 48-hour time window. The aircraft also flew to international destinations, including Beijing, Bangkok, Kota Kinabalu, Nagasaki, and Taipei.

Charter Flights Play a Significant Role in Regional Airports

Charter flights served as a primary source of operations for the aircraft, which was leased by a Gwangju-based travel agency that offered a 5-day package trip to Bangkok for the Christmas season. These flights are typically filled exclusively with passengers recruited by travel agencies and are specially scheduled based on demand.

Industry observers have raised concerns about whether Jeju Air may have overextended itself by scheduling excessive charter flights during the year-end peak season. Regional airports in South Korea are heavily reliant on charter flights operated by low-cost carriers like Jeju Air.

Average Monthly Aircraft Utilization Rates

According to Jeju Air’s data, the average monthly flight time per aircraft was recorded at 418 hours in the July-September period, the longest among the six domestic low-cost carriers. Other competitors reported lower figures, with Jin Air recording 371 hours and T’way Air 386 hours per aircraft over the same period. Full-service carriers, such as Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, had comparatively shorter average monthly flight times.

Inspection and Investigations Underway

The South Korean government has launched an investigation into the incident and has ordered air safety probes into the crash. The country has also ordered all Boeing 737-800 planes to undergo immediate inspections following the crash.

FAQs

Q: How many flights did the aircraft operate in the 48 hours leading up to the crash?

A: According to industry sources, the aircraft operated 13 flights in 48 hours prior to the incident.

Q: What were the international destinations flown to prior to the crash?

A: The aircraft flew to international destinations, including Beijing, Bangkok, Kota Kinabalu, Nagasaki, and Taipei.

Q: What is the average monthly flight time per Jeju Air aircraft?

A: According to Jeju Air’s data, the average monthly flight time per aircraft was recorded at 418 hours in the July-September period.

Q: Is the South Korean government conducting an investigation into the crash?

A: Yes, the South Korean government has launched an investigation into the incident and has ordered air safety probes into the crash.