China ramps up aviation security in response to AZAL and Jeju Air tragedies

In response to the recent crashes involving Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) and South Korea’s Jeju Air, Chinese authorities have implemented stronger security measures to address potential aviation risks.

Shu Mingjiang, Director of Safety at the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) of China, confirmed that immediate actions are being taken to improve safety protocols, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Shu explained at a press conference, "Due to the recent major aviation accidents involving Azerbaijan and South Korea, the CAA is currently focusing on several key areas. First, we immediately held special meetings to assess the situation and increase the effectiveness of measures aimed at preventing safety risks that require urgent attention."

He emphasized that the CAA is prioritizing the prevention of risks, particularly those that demand immediate action.

The Civil Aviation Department has also launched nationwide inspections at airports to identify security threats on runways. Shu noted that special attention is being paid to the prevention of bird strikes, which can cause significant accidents. “We are working to eliminate birds from air harbours to reduce risks,” he added.

Furthermore, the CAA is intensifying emergency drills to improve the response efficiency of aviation personnel. "We will work on systematic response measures and encourage relevant units to implement them effectively,” Shu stated. "Ensuring that our personnel are well-trained is a top priority."

These heightened measures come after two devastating crashes. On December 25, Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243, an Embraer E190 heading from Baku to Grozny, Russia, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 people. The flight, which carried 67 people, included passengers from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Twenty-nine people survived the crash.

Just days later, on December 29, Jeju Air flight 7C2216, travelling from Bangkok, Thailand, to Muan International Airport, crashed, killing all 175 passengers and four of the six crew members aboard.

In response to these tragedies, the CAA of China is proactively addressing safety concerns with a focus on reducing risks and enhancing air travel security across the country.

By Tamilla Hasanova