Faith Nyasuguta
The CEO of Jeju Air, Kim E-bae, expressed deep sorrow and took full responsibility after the tragic crash of a Boeing 737-800 passenger plane at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday. The disaster, one of the deadliest in South Korea’s aviation history, resulted in the deaths of at least 177 people.
Kim E-bae issued a public apology and conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims during a press conference held in Gimpo. He bowed deeply and stated, “I want to give my sincere apology and condolences to those who have lost their lives in the accident and their families.” While the investigation into the crash is ongoing, the CEO assured that the airline would fully cooperate with authorities to understand the cause of the tragedy.
The plane, Flight 7C2216, was arriving from Bangkok when it attempted to land at Muan Airport. However, it skidded off the runway, crashed into a barrier, and caught fire. Only two crew members survived the wreckage. Initial reports suggest a bird strike and unfavorable weather conditions might have contributed to the crash.
Despite no previous accidents associated with the aircraft and its regular maintenance, Kim E-bae took full accountability for the incident. “Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO,” he said. He emphasized that the plane had received all necessary checks, with no unusual issues reported before the flight.
Jeju Air has set up a dedicated team to support the grieving families of the victims and assist with the ongoing investigation. Kim E-bae assured that the airline would work tirelessly to ensure such a disaster does not occur again. “We will not rest until we fully understand what happened and take all necessary steps to ensure it never happens again,” he vowed.
The crash has left the nation in mourning as the South Korean government and aviation authorities collaborate with Jeju Air to determine the precise cause of the incident. The airline’s commitment to transparency and accountability is viewed as a crucial step in rebuilding public trust.
Kim E-bae’s heartfelt apology and the airline’s efforts to support the victims’ families reflect their commitment to addressing the tragedy with compassion and responsibility. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the families and ensuring that justice is served.
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