Transport minister demands more focus on safety to chiefs of Korean Air, Asiana

By Kim Rahn

Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mee

Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mee met the heads of the nation's flagship carriers, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, and called for safe operations and stable management, the ministry said, Friday.

The meeting follows turbulence the two airlines have faced with the recent sudden death of Korean Air's former Chairman Cho Yang-ho and Kumho Asiana Group's decision to sell the airline unit to resolve a liquidity crisis.

Kim met Korean Air's new head Cho Won-tae on Tuesday and Asiana CEO Han Chang-soo Thursday. The meetings were at Kim's request out of concern the companies' troubles could lead to accidents.

Kim asked Cho to maintain safety-related investment and pay attention to all flight operation processes so there will be no safety issues at the early stage of leadership change.

For Han, Kim pointed out Asiana's frequent flight delays due to aircraft breakdowns, calling for “special countermeasures.” She also requested an all-out effort to prevent accidents, asking for thorough maintenance before the summer peak season and early suspension of operations on unprofitable routes.

Cho and Han expressed a willingness to cooperate and follow the minister's recommendations, the ministry said.

In early April, Korean Air's former chairman died of lung disease. In mid-April, Kumho Group announced its plan to sell its stake in Asiana to avert a liquidity crisis.