Korean police have searched the Seoul offices of Jeju Air (7C, Jeju) in the wake of the December 29, 2024, crash at Muan airport, looking for airport maintenance and aircraft data. This comes as the airline said it would trim its schedules by 10-15% over the remainder of the northern winter season to reduce aircraft flying hours and increase the time they are available for maintenance and inspections.

“The decision was made as a means to resolve the internal concern of reducing employees' burden and to secure resources for maintenance," the JoongAng daily reported CEO Kim E-bae saying.

Regulatory filings cited by Korean media indicate Jeju was flying its aircraft an average of 418 hours per month in the three months to September 30, 2024, the highest of all Korean operators. In contrast, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines flew their aircraft an average of 355 hours per month in the same period. However, Kim told local outlets during a media briefing that Jeju wasn't pushing its aircraft and employees too hard.

Kim said the carrier had yet to decide what flights would be impacted, but the cuts would likely occur on routes where Jeju Air and other airlines offered alternative flight options.

"Regardless of the cause (of the crash), I take full responsibility as the CEO," Kim added.

After the searches, police also banned Jeju Air's chief executive from leaving the country. Besides the airline, the investigators later searched airport offices and the local aviation authority. A statement issued by the South Jeolla provincial police said officers involved in the searches were looking for documents and materials about the operation and maintenance of the aircraft as well as the operation of airport facilities.

Investigating police say they will “swiftly and rigorously determine the cause and responsibility” for the accident that killed 179 of 181 people on board. Authorities have extracted initial data from one of the two flight recorders onboard the B737-800 registered as HL8088 (msn 37541) and initiated an inspection of all Korean-registered B737-800s and a wider examination of the country’s entire airline operations.

"As there's great public concern about the same aircraft model involved in the accident, the transport ministry and relevant organisations must conduct a thorough inspection of operation, maintenance, education, and training," Korean Acting President Choi Sang-mok said.