Jeju Air Crash Spurs US Airport Safety review
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The devastating Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crash in South Korea, which claimed 179 lives and left two injured, has sparked renewed focus on airport runway safety in the United States. The incident, which occurred on December 29th, 2024, involved a flight from Bangkok, Thailand, that veered off the runway upon landing at Muan International Airport, resulting in a catastrophic explosion and fire. “Except for two people who were rescued, the remaining 179 people were killed,” reported a source close to the investigation. The exact cause remains under investigation.
the tragedy prompted comparisons to shorter runways at airports worldwide, including Taipei Songshan Airport in Taiwan. Democratic Progressive Party legislator Li Kunze highlighted the difference in runway lengths: “The runway of Muan Airport is 2,800 meters long, while the runway of Taipei Songshan Airport is only 2,600 meters.” He referenced previous near-misses at Songshan, underscoring the importance of safety measures.
Lin Xinde, chairman of the Transportation Safety Committee in Taiwan, addressed these concerns, emphasizing the role of the Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) installed at Songshan Airport in 2009. “The EMAS system is different from ordinary concrete,” Lin explained. “The EMAS system can absorb the energy of an aircraft collision to slow down the aircraft. In general urban airports, if the runway safety is insufficient, the EMAS system is used all over the world to make up for it.” He further noted that the system’s installation allowed for the safe operation of a wider range of aircraft models.
The incident has led to calls for a thorough review of safety protocols at similar airports in the U.S. Lin Xinde stated, “I woudl recommend that the Civil Aviation administration conduct a case study on the Jeju Air crash.” Furthermore, he confirmed collaboration with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to investigate potential vulnerabilities at domestic airports. ”The Aviation Safety Council…will conduct research on domestic airports where similar accidents may occur,” he added.
Concerns also extend to aircraft maintainance. Legislator Li Kunze noted reports of hydraulic failure in the Jeju Air aircraft’s landing gear, highlighting that China Airlines operates ten similar aircraft. Lin Peida,CEO of the Transportation Safety Committee,responded,stating,”Regarding the landing gear of the aircraft,the Transportation Safety Committee recommended that airlines should strengthen regular testing and maintenance during routine maintenance of the aircraft.” This underscores the importance of rigorous maintenance schedules and inspections for all aircraft operating in the U.S.
The Jeju Air tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for continuous enhancement in aviation safety. The ongoing investigations and subsequent reviews will undoubtedly influence safety standards and protocols at airports across the globe, including the United States.
taiwanese Aviation News: Executive Changes and Funding Shortfalls
Recent news from Taiwan’s aviation sector reveals significant developments, including executive changes and significant funding challenges. These events highlight the complexities facing the island’s transportation infrastructure and raise questions about future growth and safety.
EVA Air Executive Transition
EVA Air,a major Taiwanese airline,recently saw the retirement of its Chief Vice President,He Qingsheng. he has sence been appointed to the Transportation Safety Committee,a move signaling a shift in leadership and a potential focus on enhanced safety regulations. This transition underscores the importance of experienced professionals in overseeing the safety and efficiency of Taiwan’s air travel industry.
Airport Funding Crisis
A more pressing concern is the significant shortfall in funding for airport construction. Legislators have highlighted a deficit exceeding $1.2 billion (NT$1.2 billion) – a considerable sum that threatens ongoing projects and future expansion plans.This financial gap raises concerns about the ability of Taiwan’s airports to meet the demands of a growing passenger base and maintain international competitiveness.
The situation is further intricate by recent events involving the Taiwanese top 12 teams’ airport pickup incident. This incident led to legislators cutting $10 million (NT$10 million) from the Aviation Police Department’s budget, adding another layer of financial strain to an already precarious situation. The implications of these budget cuts on airport security and overall operations remain to be seen.
Looking Ahead
The combination of executive changes and substantial funding shortfalls presents a complex challenge for Taiwan’s aviation industry. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including securing additional funding, streamlining airport operations, and ensuring robust safety protocols. The long-term implications for air travel in Taiwan, and its potential impact on the global aviation landscape, warrant close monitoring.
The CNA (Central News Agency) app provides up-to-date facts on these and other developments in Taiwanese aviation. Download the app today for the latest news and analysis.
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US Airports Under Scrutiny Following Jeju Air Tragedy
The devastating Jeju Air crash in South Korea, which claimed 179 lives, has put the spotlight on airport runway safety, especially for those with shorter runways similar to Taipei Songshan Airport in Taiwan. The incident has prompted calls for a thorough review of safety protocols at comparable airports in the United States.
Interview with Aviation Safety expert Dr. Emily Carter
Dr.Emily Carter, a leading aviation safety expert and professor at the prestigious Aeronautics Institute of Technology, joins us today to discuss the implications of the Jeju Air crash and its potential impact on US airport safety.
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us. The Jeju Air crash is a tragedy that has shocked the world. Can you help our readers understand how this incident might impact safety protocols at airports in the United States, many of which have shorter runways?
Dr. Carter: Certainly. While the examination into the Jeju air crash is ongoing, it’s undeniably tragic and serves as a stark reminder of the complex factors that contribute to aviation safety. Airports with shorter runways, much like Taipei Songshan Airport, face unique challenges, especially when accommodating larger aircraft. This incident underscores the critical need for constant evaluation and improvement of safety measures at airports of all sizes.
World-Today-news.com Senior Editor: you mentioned Taipei Songshan Airport. Taiwan has already implemented certain safety measures, including an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS).Could you elaborate on how such systems work and how effective they are in preventing runway overruns?
Dr. Carter: The EMAS system is a crucial safety innovation, particularly for airports with shorter runways. Essentially, it consists of a bed of lightweight, crushable material placed at the end of the runway. If an aircraft overruns the runway,the EMAS absorbs the energy of the impact,slowing the aircraft down and preventing it from veering off the runway.They have proven to be highly effective in mitigating runway overrun accidents.
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: Following the jeju Air crash, there have been calls for a thorough review of safety protocols at US airports. What specific steps can the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) take to address potential vulnerabilities?
Dr. Carter: The FAA undoubtedly faces a daunting task.
Firstly, a thorough review of existing runway safety measures at airports with shorter runways is essential.
Secondly, rigorously enforcing maintenance schedules and inspections for all aircraft operating in the US, particularly regarding landing gear, is critical, as reports indicate hydraulic failure might have played a role in the Jeju Air accident.
promoting collaboration between the FAA and international aviation authorities, like Taiwan’s Transportation Safety Committee, will be crucial in sharing best practices and latest safety technology.
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing yoru valuable insights.This tragedy emphasizes the constant need for vigilance and innovation in the aviation industry to ensure the safety of passengers and crew worldwide.
