Seoul, Dec 31 (NationPress) Rising worries are evident among the low-cost carrier (LCC) sector regarding the possibility of a diminished reputation for budget airlines following the recent Jeju Air crash, as noted by industry analysts on Tuesday. Stakeholders are concerned about a potential decline in air travel demand.
One LCC representative commented to Yonhap News Agency, wishing to remain unnamed, “The atmosphere is heavy throughout the industry, despite it being an isolated incident involving just one airline.”
The representative further stated, “There is apprehension that travel demand might be negatively impacted. We are monitoring the situation closely.”
An additional industry professional revealed that his company convened an emergency meeting on the day of the crash to evaluate possible repercussions. “It appears unavoidable that this incident will influence our operations,” he expressed.
A significant element contributing to the anxiety is that the Boeing B737-800 model involved in the Jeju Air accident is commonly used among domestic LCCs, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
Jeju Air operates a fleet of 39 aircraft, while T'way Air, Jin Air, and Easter Jet operate 27, 19, and 10 aircraft, respectively.
One industry insider remarked, “It's challenging to attribute the incident solely to the aircraft model, yet there is a growing concern that biases against LCCs and this specific model may increase.”
Experts suggest that this situation might provide a chance to strengthen safety protocols and enhance operational standards.
Data from flight tracking service Flightradar24 indicates that the Jeju Air plane involved in the crash had conducted 38 flights in the previous week.
On the day prior to the crash, the aircraft flew six routes, stopping in locations such as Kota Kinabalu, Nagasaki, Taipei, Bangkok, and Muan, with minimal rest periods.
This busy flight schedule has led to concerns that the airline may have prioritized operations over adequate maintenance time, potentially jeopardizing safety.
Lee Yoon-chul, a professor of business management at Korea Aerospace University, noted, “During the pandemic, air travel demand plummeted to just 5 to 10 percent of pre-COVID levels and has seen some recovery lately.”
“Airlines should have conducted thorough reviews of their operations to align with the resurgence in air travel demand during this transitional phase. It’s only natural to question whether safety standards have been maintained as before.”
