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Photo = Yonhap news |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Jeju Air CEO Kim E-Bae, who has been banned from leaving the country following the deadly December 29 plane crash, has been questioned by police.
According to industry sources on Monday, the South Jeolla Provincial Police Agency recently summoned Kim as a witness for questioning. Investigators reportedly focused on the aircraft's operation and safety management. Kim is said to have maintained that there were no issues regarding the aircraft’s safety, maintenance, or operation.
With Kim’s statement obtained, the police are now considering whether to lift the travel ban, which is set to expire on the 27th of this month. Authorities have been summoning officials from Jeju Air, airports, air traffic control, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and its affiliates to determine the cause of the crash and identify responsible parties.
The investigation is particularly focused on why the localizer, a navigational aid, was positioned on a concrete mound near the end of the runway, which was struck by the aircraft during landing. As of now, no individuals have been formally charged.
The accident occurred on December 29, when Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, en route from Bangkok to Muan Airport, attempted to land at around 9:03 a.m. The aircraft collided with airport infrastructure during landing, resulting in the deaths of 179 out of the 181 passengers and crew on board.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
