Cape Argus News

Results of Ethiopian Airlines crash probe needed before conclusions drawn

Jamie Freed|Published

Singapore - International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General Alexandre de Juniac said on Tuesday the results of an investigation into a deadly Ethiopian Airlines crash were needed before any conclusions were drawn on the incident.

"The most serious and vigorous attitude is to check and verify and establish facts," he told reporters on the sidelines of a conference in Singapore. "On this issue our permanent position is to wait for the results of the investigation to draw any conclusion."

He said IATA acknowledged the decisions by authorities in China, Indonesia and Singapore to ground Boeing Co 737 MAX jets after the crash.

IATA represents around 260 airlines globally.

Panama's Copa Airlines said on Monday it is awaiting the results of a probe into the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 plane on Sunday, and will follow recommendations issued by the manufacturer and the relevant authorities.

"We are currently evaluating the next steps to take, in close contact with the aviation authorities," Copa said in a statement. 

Reuters