Synopsis
In response to the recent Jeju Air crash that resulted in substantial loss of life, the South Korean government is taking decisive steps to enhance airport safety during emergency landings. This includes modifying hazardous structures at key airports and implementing new safety standards.Key Takeaways
- Seven airports identified for safety improvements.
- Changes needed for localiser support structures.
- Government aims to complete upgrades by year-end.
- Introduction of EMAS to improve safety zones.
- Black box from the crash failed in final minutes.
Seoul, Jan 22 (NationPress) The South Korean government has unveiled a detailed strategy to mitigate potential hazards related to emergency landings at its airports, following the tragic Jeju Air incident last month. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has identified seven airports, including Muan International Airport, where dangerous structures near runways pose significant risks, particularly after the December 29 crash that resulted in 179 fatalities.
Inspections revealed that modifications to structures associated with the localiser, which aids incoming aircraft, are necessary at nine sites across these airports, including Gimhae International Airport and Jeju International Airport, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
Experts speculate that the death toll from the Jeju Air tragedy might have been considerably lower had a concrete structure supporting the localiser at Muan airport not been present.
The ministry will explore alternatives like relocating localiser foundation structures underground or substituting them with lightweight steel options.
Each airport will implement a solution that adheres to applicable installation regulations and can be executed swiftly.
The government is committed to streamlining associated regulations to finalize improvements by mid-year, or at the latest, by year-end.
Additionally, the ministry has pinpointed seven airports with runway safety areas shorter than the recommended 240 meters and plans to expand these zones.
Where space permits are insufficient for such expansions, the ministry will introduce engineered material arresting systems (EMAS) to enhance safety protocols.
EMAS allows aircraft to settle into a lightweight material, facilitating rapid deceleration when an aircraft overshoots a runway.
Besides structural upgrades, the ministry also plans to amend airport facility safety standards and draft an updated strategy by the first half of this year.
In a related development, the black box from a passenger jet that crashed at a southwestern airport in South Korea last month was non-operational during the final four minutes of flight.
