Jeju Air: Korea’s Favorite Low-Cost Airline Before Devastating Plane Crash

Tragic Plane Crash: Jeju Air Flight Accidents at Muan International Airport

On December 29, a devastating accident occurred involving a Jeju Air aircraft transporting 181 individuals, including passengers and crew, at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, approximately 290 kilometers from Seoul. As of 5:26 PM (KST), reports indicated that 174 individuals had tragically lost their lives, with only two crew members being rescued from the wreckage.

The ill-fated flight had originated in Bangkok, Thailand, and it was later disclosed that numerous passengers were families with children, many of whom were concluding their Christmas holiday. This heart-wrenching detail adds to the profound tragedy of the event.

Witnesses near Muan Airport reported that the aircraft may have encountered a bird strike as it neared landing. This incident initiated an aborted landing attempt, during which the plane accelerated but failed to attain the necessary altitude. Instead, it circled at a dangerously low elevation seeking an alternative landing approach.

During its second attempt to land, the aircraft’s landing gear appeared to malfunction, leading to a belly landing. Out of control and with excessive speed, the plane veered off the runway, crashed into a wall, and subsequently ignited, resulting in a catastrophic fire.

Jeju Air’s Legacy and Market Position

Until this incident, Jeju Air had distinguished itself as South Korea’s dominant low-cost carrier (LCC), consistently acclaimed by consumers for five consecutive years according to the National Customer Satisfaction Index (NCSI) reported by the Korean Productivity Center.

Established in 2005, Jeju Air holds the title of the nation’s first and largest low-cost airline. In terms of the broader aviation market, it ranks just behind Korean Air, South Korea’s flagship carrier.

The airline boasts a fleet of 42 Boeing narrow-body aircraft, operating an average of 217 flights daily across over 62 routes connecting 44 destinations within the Asia-Pacific region. As of the first quarter of 2024, Jeju Air employs around 3,000 staff members, with primary hubs situated at Gimpo, Incheon (Seoul), and Jeju airports.

In the previous year alone, Jeju Air transported 12.3 million passengers, generating revenue close to $1.31 billion, with expectations for 2024 scalability projected at $1.5 billion. Additionally, the company has been publicly traded on the Korean stock exchange since 2015, with shares closing at $5.58 as of December 27, valuing Jeju Air at approximately $440 million.

Reactions Following the Accident

During a press conference on December 29, Jeju Air’s CEO, Kim, expressed profound sorrow and remorse, stating, “I bow deeply and extend my heartfelt apologies to everyone who loves Jeju Air. Above all, I offer my deepest condolences and apologies to the passengers who perished in the accident and their families.” Both he and other executives visibly demonstrated their regret by bowing in apology to the audience.

CEO Kim indicated that the cause of the accident remains under investigation, awaiting detailed reports from relevant authorities. Jeju Air has committed to making all necessary efforts to address the aftermath of this tragedy.

Nonetheless, there has been considerable public criticism directed toward Jeju Air for its response to the disaster. Critics pointed out that airline representatives immediately departed the scene without providing a briefing or answering questions, which left first responders and bereaved families to shoulder the emotional burden alone during this difficult time.

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