The recent crash of a Boeing 737 model in South Korea has brought flight safety back into the spotlight. Despite this incident, the Boeing 737-800 model boasts a stellar safety record and is utilized by nearly every airline around the globe.
Boeing 737-800 Safety Record and Global Usage
The Boeing aircraft that tragically crashed in South Korea on Sunday, resulting in 179 fatalities, has historically maintained an impressive safety record. The 737-800 model stands as one of the most widely utilized passenger planes worldwide, with approximately 4,400 units in operation across nearly 200 airlines, as per data from Cirium. Over its nearly 30-year tenure, this 737 variant, which predates the troubled Max models, has encountered 17 accidents leading to 1,100 fatalities, according to insights from the Aviation Safety Network, a non-profit research organization. However, considering the large number of aircraft produced and the millions of passenger flights conducted, the crash rate remains relatively low, solidifying its position as a fundamental component of global aviation.
Human Error and Fatal Boeing 737-800 Accidents
In past fatal incidents involving the 737-800, human error has been identified as a primary contributing factor. For example, the first fatal crash involving the 737-800 occurred in 2006 when a Gol Airlines flight in Brazil experienced a midair collision with a private jet, resulting in the tragic loss of all 154 passengers and crew members. Subsequent crashes, such as those involving Kenya Air in 2007, two Air India Express accidents in 2010 and 2020, and a Flydubai crash in 2016, also highlighted the role of pilot error in aviation mishaps.
Global Operations of the Boeing 737-800
Commercial airlines conducted nearly 5.9 million flights utilizing the 737-800 in 2024, with projections exceeding 6.2 million flights scheduled through November 2025. Leading operators of the 737-800 include American Airlines, Ryanair, and Southwest Airlines, with US carriers like Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines also utilizing this model to serve diverse global destinations.
Distinguishing the Boeing 737-800 from the 737 Max
It is essential to differentiate between the Boeing 737-800 and its successor, the 737 Max. Unlike the 737 Max, the 737-800 lacks the system implicated in the crashes of the former – the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS). The Max series, characterized by more powerful engines and enhanced fuel efficiency, offers extended flight range and higher passenger capacity compared to the 737-800. Boeing phased out the 737-800 in late 2019 with the introduction of the Max series, with production of the new models resuming in December 2024 after a temporary halt due to a worker strike.
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By: trains@insider.com (Taylor Rains)
Title: Boeing 737-800 Safety Record in Light of South Korea Crash
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/boeing-737-800-safety-jeju-air-south-korea-plane-crash-2024-12
Published Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2024 22:25:11 +0000
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