ADDIS ABABA-“Though the plane crash had broken our hearts, we are serving our customers as usual without any delay. Side by side, we are also comforting the families of victims” said Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines.
Ethiopian’s Flight 302 was bound for Nairobi when it plunged to the ground shortly after takeoff on Sunday, killing all 157 people on board. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Tewolde said the fatal plane crash has not affected the airlines’ scheduled flights. “Everything is going on as usual. Still, the airport is filled with passengers; they still prefer Ethiopian despite the tragedy as we have a commendable record when it comes to safety.
“Our passengers build trust on Ethiopian and our pilots. They are always amazed by our pilots’ ability during landing and takeoff,” he said. “Despite Sunday’s crash, flights have continued as per schedule. As far as we are concerned the plane crash has no connection with our safety record, even though the cause is under investigation.” Indicating that many countries are banning 737 max-8 jets, Tewolde said: “Ethiopian has also decided to ban the jet prioritizing safety.”
As to him, the number of passengers choosing Ethiopian is increasing than ever before. Including the day of the plane crash, the airline is carrying out 300 flights per day. Concerning the investigation process on the crashed plane, Tewolde said three parties get involved in the investigation plane crashes; the owner of the plane, a country the damage has occurred and a country who produced the plane.
Accordingly, the America National Transport Section Board (NTSB) crew members have arrived here in Addis. They will begin the investigation process together with the locally established committee. The Flight Data Recorder will be sent to foreign countries for further investigation. following Ethiopia, China, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, UK, and other EU countries have also banned Boeing 737 max-8 jets.
The Ethiopian Herald, March 14/2019
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
