Unraveling Air India's Response Post-Crash: A Fresh Look
Air India explains reasons behind AI 171 disaster and excessive cancellations, attributing it to enhanced safety measures that may disrupt flight schedules.
The heart-wrenching crash of Air India Flight AI171 on June 12, 2025, has left the nation in mourning. Yet, amidst the tragedy, Air India has been proactive, addressing concerns related to its crew, aircraft maintenance, and safety practices.
Flying with Skilled Pilots
The cockpit crew comprised Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot boasting over 10,000 hours of flying experience on widebody aircraft, and First Officer Clive Kunder, a professional with more than 3,400 hours under his belt. Air India emphasized their high qualifications and international-standard training.
Regular Aircraft Maintenance
The ill-fated Boeing 787 Dreamliner underwent routine maintenance, with its last major check performed in June 2023, and the next scheduled for December 2025. Both engines were also serviced recently, with the right engine overhauled in March 2025, and the left engine inspected in April 2025. Air India insists all assessments revealed no signs of issues prior to the flight.
Bolstering Safety Measures
Following DGCA's directive, Air India has intensified safety inspections across its 33 Boeing 787 fleet. As of now, 26 aircraft have passed the check-ups, with the rest undergoing the necessary scrutiny during regular maintenance. The DGCA has endorsed the airline's aircraft and procedures' compliance with all safety standards.
Addressing Operational Hiccups
Air India acknowledges the recent increase in flight cancellations, attributing the issue to time-consuming safety inspections, airport constraints, technical glitches, and airspace restrictions in certain regions. Apologizing for the inconvenience, the airline is working diligently to iron out the kinks.
Temporary Cut in International Flights
In an effort to boost resilience, Air India will temporarily reduce its widebody international flights approximately by 15%, from June 20 to mid-July. This move will allow for buffer backup aircraft, ensuring more exhaustive safety checks, not only for Boeing 787s but also for Boeing 777s.
Compared to the tragic event, these efforts demonstrate the airline's commitment to addressing the concerns that arise while investigations continue.
Casualties of the Ahmedabad Air Crash
A seven-month pregnant woman and her husband were among the victims of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad.
Further Investigations
Investigations into the crash are still ongoing, with experts probing not only mechanical issues but also emergency response procedures and broader aviation safety protocols in India. A high-level committee has been established to review the incident, focusing on policy recommendations and future safeguards. DGCA has ordered immediate technical inspections of all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft fitted with Genx engines in India, signaling concerns about potential systemic mechanical issues.
- The finance department of Air India has been dedicated to providing necessary funds for installing the latest DEFIs (Decentralized Finance) systems in their operations, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in various industry sectors, including transportation and aviation.
- The recent crash of Air India Flight AI171 has led to a surge in general news coverage, but it's also spurred a debate in crime and justice circles about potential legal ramifications related to car-accidents, especially given the number of victims and the high-profile status of the airline.
- Amidst the ongoing market volatility, some experts have pointed out that the temporary cut in Air India's international flights could indirectly impact the aviation sector's growth and pose challenges for the finance minister when outlining the industry's future prospectus.
- In a move to display transparency and accountability, Air India's CEO has revealed the detailed findings of a thorough internal investigation into the accident, including information about inspections related to the cockpit crew's skills, aircraft maintenance, and safety procedures.
- Acknowledging the crucial role of pilots in aviation safety, Air India has pledged to collaborate with leading flight schools to increase the availability of well-trained talent in the market, ultimately bolstering the industry's long-term resilience and reducing the risk of future accidents.
