Low-cost carrier Jeju Air said it "sincerely" apologised -- with top officials shown bowing deeply at a press conference in Seoul -- and vowed to do all it could to help.

Boeing said in a statement that it was in touch with Jeju Air and stood "ready to support them".

• Engulfed in flames -

South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok, who only took office Friday, convened an emergency cabinet meeting and then visited the crash site at Muan.

"The entire government is working closely together to manage the aftermath of the accident... making every effort to ensure thorough support for the bereaved families," he said.