Airlines that have caused fatalities will not be allocated operating rights for the next year. At national airports, hazardous structures like localizer facilities, which can exacerbate damage in the event of aircraft collisions, will be removed, and advanced equipment will be introduced to prevent bird strikes.
On the 30th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced an 'aviation safety innovation plan,' outlining a comprehensive reform proposal for aviation safety, covering everything from airline operation management and maintenance systems to airport infrastructure improvements and government oversight capabilities.
First, hazardous embankment structures such as concrete facilities installed in front and behind the runway will be demolished and replaced with lighter steel structures on flat ground. According to international standards, a safety area of more than 240 meters will be secured at the ends of each airport's runway. For areas where site expansion is difficult, such as Ulsan and Sacheon, a runway excursion prevention device (EMAS) that serves as an aircraft braking system will be installed.
To prevent bird strike incidents with aircraft, a bird detection radar will be piloted at Muan International Airport, the first private airport to do so, and AI-based bird analysis and deterrent drones will be developed and gradually deployed at airports across the country. The number of personnel to respond to bird strikes at each airport will increase from 2 to 4, and Muan International Airport will be staffed with up to 12.
Regulations on airlines will also be tightened. A new 'aviation safety performance indicator' will be established to assess airline safety and maintenance levels. Operators with low performance will become the focus of intensive inspections. If issues are not rectified, restrictions on new route approvals will be considered. There is also a plan to give priority points when allocating operating rights to corporations that invest in safety, especially those airlines that have caused fatal accidents will face restricted operating rights for one year.
Regarding maintenance, the maintenance time criteria for frequently involved aircraft types such as the B737 and A320F will be extended by up to 28 percent, and pre- and post-flight inspections will be strengthened. Foreign airports operating regular routes more than five times a week must deploy local maintenance personnel. The requirement for 'skilled maintenance engineers' will also be raised from 2 years to 3 years.
The criteria for airline licenses will be made stricter. The paid-in capital requirement, currently at 5 billion to 15 billion won, will be raised, and regulations on safety investment disclosures will be revised. Incentives for excellent airlines are also being prepared.
Strengthening the emergency response capabilities of pilots and crew members has also been included in the measures. The criteria for calculating pilot working hours will reflect time zones and the number of takeoffs and landings to manage fatigue accurately, while cabin crew will change their designation to 'cabin safety crew' and expand their training programs.
The safety oversight system of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will also be revised. The Air Operator Certificate (AOC), which evaluates airlines' safety operation systems, will be reassessed every time the number of aircraft owned exceeds 20, 40, or 80. The number of aviation safety inspectors, currently at 30, will increase to about 40 this year.
However, this plan does not include the proposal to establish a dedicated organization, such as the 'establishment of an aviation safety agency,' which has been continuously raised among private experts. The ministry stated it will respond by increasing internal personnel and training.
Minister Park Sang-woo said, 'We will closely pursue safety oversight, including special safety inspections of airports and airlines, and will prepare additional measures based on the results of future accident investigations.'