Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, "Only Essential Events Calmly, More Thorough Inspection of Airports in the Province"

Emergency Visit to Sacheon Airport, Status Check on Bird Deterrence

Request for Follow-up Measures Related to Jeju Air Accident Response

"Considering the national mourning period, refrain from unnecessary events and conduct only essential events calmly to revitalize the year-end and New Year economy."

On the 30th, Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, convened an emergency executive meeting regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane accident and made this statement.

Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is presiding over an emergency executive meeting related to the Jeju Air passenger plane accident. Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government

"Instructed to inspect measures to prevent aircraft accidents at provincial airports such as Gimhae and Sacheon to alleviate residents' anxiety."

He also ordered continuous communication with the central government regarding the accident and to do their best in follow-up measures such as additional support related to the accident upon future requests.

Governor Park Wansu of Gyeongnam Province (right) made an urgent visit to Sacheon Airport, urging airport officials to implement safety measures such as bird strike prevention. Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government

That afternoon, Governor Park made an emergency visit to Sacheon Airport to directly check the airport operation status, including the emergency standby status after the accident, safety accident preparedness, and the deployment status of personnel for bird deterrence to prevent aircraft bird strikes, urging safety management.

Governor Park said, "Managing the airport is important, but above all, aircraft inspections and safe operations by each airline are more important," and added, "It is necessary to request thorough inspections from airlines to prepare for safety accidents."

He then visited Korea Aviation Services (KAEMS), a government-designated aircraft maintenance (MRO) specialist company, to understand the status of aircraft maintenance business such as minor maintenance during civil aircraft delays, emphasizing, "Perform aircraft maintenance and inspections perfectly."

A joint memorial altar for the victims of the Jeju Air passenger plane accident has been set up in the square in front of the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Office. Photo by Lee Seryeong

Gyeongnam Province, immediately after receiving news of the accident on the 29th, held a situation assessment meeting chaired by the head of the Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters and urgently dispatched a total of 21 personnel including 7 vehicles such as 6 fire ambulances and 1 support vehicle, emergency equipment such as 101 body bags, and rescue teams to the site.

On the second day of the accident, the 30th, an additional 5 ambulances, 1 support vehicle, and 14 on-site support personnel were deployed to assist with body recovery and transport.

Additionally, during the national mourning period until January 4, 2025, condolence flags were raised at the provincial government headquarters, affiliated institutions, business offices, and city and county offices, and a joint memorial altar was installed and operated in the plaza of the provincial government headquarters.

Gyeongnam Province plans to continue supporting funeral procedures such as the use of funeral halls and crematories according to the wishes of the bereaved families if additional provincial victims are confirmed.