South Korean officials are to carry out checks on 101 Boeing 737-800 aircraft in operation in the country alongside a full airline safety audit following a crash which killed 179 people on Sunday.
The government confirmed the move after an aircraft operated by no-frills carrier Jeju Air reported an in-air incident and crashed on landing, Reuters reported.
Acting president Choi Sang-mok said a full inspection of the country’s aviation operations was necessary in order to “move toward a safer Republic of Korea”.
Jeju Air flight 7C2216 crashed at Muan International Airport shortly after 9am local time on Sunday, after reportedly striking a bird.
A full investigation of the country’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft is expected to include US investigators, possibly including Boeing representatives.
Operations at the airport remain suspended until at least Wednesday but continue as scheduled at the country’s other airports including Seoul’s Incheon International.
Boeing shares fell by around 4% prior to markets opening on Monday following the accident.
The company said in a statement: “We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.”
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