Eastar Jet Requests Investigation by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport... "Cooperating with Procedures, Doing Our Best to Resume Flights"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Eastar Jet has stated that it will actively cooperate with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's plan to request an investigation into the submission of false accounting data.

On the 28th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a briefing, "Eastar Jet deliberately submitted false data to the ministry, obstructing the ministry's licensing work for air transportation business," adding, "It is difficult to rule out suspicion that they intentionally tried to hide the state of complete capital erosion, and due to strong suspicion of intentional wrongdoing, we have decided to request an investigation."

Eastar Jet said, "We sincerely cooperated with all requests during the ministry's special investigation period," adding, "We provided and explained materials deemed necessary for clarification, including the situation at the time of the license change application, accounting systems, work records, interviews with responsible employees, and opinion letters from related organizations." They continued, "Nevertheless, we regret and take seriously the decision that further investigation is necessary, and we will actively cooperate with the subsequent procedures to carefully examine any shortcomings."

Currently, Eastar Jet has completed all preparations for resuming operations, including aircraft, necessary personnel, and systems, and is continuously conducting requalification training for employees to introduce additional aircraft and resume flights. Eastar Jet emphasized that if the start of normal business activities is delayed, disruptions in all procedures such as aircraft introduction are inevitable, which could lead to serious management difficulties.

Eastar Jet stated, "On March 22, the Seoul Rehabilitation Court recognized that 'the licensing procedures for resuming operations are underway and do not hinder the execution of the rehabilitation plan,' and made a final closure decision," emphasizing, "Business activities are absolutely necessary for Eastar Jet to recover again." They added, "As the resumption of operations is delayed, we will do our best to prevent damage to employees and partner companies by making every effort in both the investigation and procedures for resuming operations."

Finally, Eastar Jet explained, "Regarding the results of the 'investigation into the license change issuance process' conducted since early this month, we sincerely apologize once again for causing concern and worry to the employees, partner companies, and families who are waiting for normalization."