Jeju Air’s high aircraft utilization rates highlight the essential need for thorough maintenance, especially following a tragic accident involving a Boeing 737-800 that resulted in 179 fatalities. Investigations are examining various factors, including the airline’s maintenance history and operational decisions. Despite having conducted maintenance per regulations, Jeju Air has faced scrutiny and penalties for past violations. As the carrier operates extensively, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining safety standards amid increased operational demands.
Understanding Jeju Air’s High Utilization Rates
Jeju Air’s impressive ‘utilization rate,’ which reflects the number of flight hours each aircraft logs daily, is not inherently problematic, say experts. However, this high frequency underscores the critical need for adequate maintenance time. Following a tragic incident involving a Boeing 737-800, authorities have speculated that a bird strike may have played a role, prompting an investigation that included police raids on the airline’s Seoul offices to collect operational and maintenance records.
According to Anthony Brickhouse, an expert in aviation safety and accident investigations, every aspect of the operation comes under scrutiny during such investigations. “You literally look at everything,” he noted. The process begins with an examination of the company’s accident and safety history, assessing past events and the measures taken to rectify any issues. In response to the accident, which resulted in the loss of 179 lives, Jeju Air assured Reuters that it has not overlooked maintenance protocols and is committed to enhancing its safety measures.
Safety Measures and Regulatory Scrutiny
The crash on December 29 marked Jeju Air’s first fatal incident since its inception in 2005 and was the first for any Korean airline in over a decade. The airline’s CEO, Kim E-bae, who is currently prohibited from leaving the country amid the ongoing investigation, stated in a press conference that maintenance was conducted in line with regulatory standards, and the aircraft in question had no reported issues during its pre-flight checks. He admitted that previous safety measures were insufficient but emphasized that significant improvements had been implemented.
While authorities have not confirmed that maintenance issues contributed to the accident, investigations are delving into various factors, including the pilot’s decision to attempt a second landing despite declaring an emergency and the failure to deploy landing gear. Investigators have retrieved the cockpit and flight data recorders, but detailed findings have yet to be disclosed. The nation’s transportation regulatory body is currently assessing the 101 Boeing 737-800s operating in South Korea, with a particular focus on maintenance frequency and quality. Notably, Jeju Air has faced more fines and suspensions for aviation law violations than its competitors in the 2020-2022 period, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data from the Ministry of Transport indicates that, from 2020 to August 2024, Jeju Air incurred approximately 2.3 billion won ($1.57 million) in fines, leading to 41 days of affected service. Comparatively, T’way Air, the second most fined airline, accumulated 2.1 billion won in penalties and four days of suspension during the same timeframe. Jeju Air leads the pack in flight frequency among major domestic airlines, surpassing even global competitors like Ryanair and AirAsia.
The flight 7C2216 from Bangkok to Muan tragically ended with the aircraft landing on its belly, skidding off the runway, and igniting after colliding with an embankment. Throughout 2024, this aircraft was operated daily, according to flight data. Jeju Air’s monthly flight hours surged from 2022 to 2023, nearly doubling to an average of 412 hours, surpassing other major airlines such as Korean Air and Asiana Airlines.
In 2024, Jeju Air’s aircraft operated for an average of 11.6 hours each day, outpacing nearly all other low-cost carriers. Only Air Arabia from Saudi Arabia operated longer, averaging 12.5 hours daily. Other airlines, including VietJet and Ryanair, had lower average daily operating hours. Sim Jai-dong, a professor of aeronautical maintenance, stated, “Utilization itself is not a problem, but it can lead to increased fatigue among pilots, crew members, and mechanics.” As Jeju Air navigates the challenges of high utilization rates, the emphasis on safety and maintenance remains paramount.