 |
Photo = Yonhap news |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] The Federation of Korean Pilots’ Unions (FKPU) on Monday issued a strong statement criticizing the lack of progress in aviation safety reforms, marking 100 days since the fatal Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport.
In the statement, the FKPU expressed condolences to the victims and their families, saying, “A precious 100 days have passed. We once again offer our deepest sympathies to those who lost loved ones and to the grieving families still suffering today.”
The union said pilots and air traffic controllers are “not only disappointed but outraged that nothing has changed,” despite repeated calls for safety reforms following the crash. Based on a January survey of over 1,400 pilots, the union reiterated its demand for the immediate removal of the "localizer bump" — a structural irregularity that was deemed a direct cause of the accident — and its reconstruction pending budget availability.
However, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) has only recommended superficial measures, such as assigning more experienced captains and reinforcing simulator training, which the union criticized as ineffective.
“The government continues to make excuses, citing budget, schedule, and procedural constraints,” the FKPU said, adding that “showcase measures such as safety innovation committees and ceremonial reflection meetings do nothing to protect real-world aviation safety.”
The union called for the simultaneous removal of localizer antennas at seven airports nationwide and also criticized the lack of any concrete response regarding bird strike prevention strategies.
Finally, the FKPU urged the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board to adhere to legal procedures in handling complaints and expressed support for pending legislation that would enhance the board’s independence.
AlphaBIZ Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
