South Korea has launched a large-scale inspection of the safety of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, including models developed based on its design.
The decision comes in the wake of a recent crash involving this model, operated by Jeju Air, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The Ministry of Defense has ordered comprehensive inspections of all fixed-wing and rotary aircraft in service with the armed forces. JCS spokesperson Lee Seong-jun stated that all units have been tasked with ensuring measures to prevent potential accidents.
The country’s Navy plans to complete inspections of its patrol aircraft by the end of the week, including the P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance model, based on the Boeing 737-800. The Navy recently acquired six of these aircraft to bolster its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The Air Force is also conducting checks on its fleet, including Peace Eye long-range radar systems, which are developed based on the Boeing 737-700.
The crash of the Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air occurred on December 29 at Muan Airport. Flight 7C 2216, arriving from Bangkok, overshot the runway during landing, collided with a barrier, and caught fire. Of the 181 people on board, 179 were killed, while two survived.
