Middle Eastern airline Flydubai inspects fuel switches on Boeing aircraft, following Air India crash investigation report
In the wake of the Air India crash investigation, several airlines have taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of their guests and crew. The preliminary report suggests that the Air India 787-8 Dreamliner's crash in June may have been linked to the fuel supply to the engines cutting off, with both fuel control switches transitioning from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' position shortly after takeoff[1].
Following this key finding, Middle Eastern airlines such as Flydubai, Etihad Airways, Saudia, Oman Air, and Air India have begun inspecting the fuel control switches on their Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft. These switches, located underneath the throttle handles, are designed primarily for use on the ground during engine start-up or shutdown. However, moving a fuel switch to the CUTOFF position during flight can cause the fuel supply to the engine to be cut off, resulting in an immediate shutdown of the engine along with loss of thrust and electrical power from that engine's generators[2].
Given this link, airlines are inspecting these switches to ensure they function properly and to reinforce operating procedures for flight crews around these critical controls. They are likely prioritizing confirmation that the switches cannot be accidentally or improperly moved during flight, and may be reviewing training protocols to prevent such errors[3].
Flydubai has initiated precautionary inspections of the fuel switches on their Boeing 737 aircraft, while Saudia has completed precautionary inspections on the fuel shut-off switch system across its 787 fleet. Oman Air has completed checks on its Boeing 787 aircraft and is in the process of inspecting its Boeing 737 fleet. Etihad Airways, which operates 787 wide-body aircraft, says it ensures its maintenance is fully compliant[4].
The UAE's aviation authorities have instructed national airlines to inspect the fuel switches on Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft in their fleets. Air India has performed additional precautionary checks on its Boeing 787 aircraft and plans to partially restore its international flight schedule[5].
It is important to note that the investigation report of the Air India crash is still ongoing, with the preliminary report only suggesting a link to the fuel supply to the engines. The inspections are being conducted in coordination with relevant aviation parties.
The Air India crash involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that took off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12. No new information about Etihad Airways or Saudia's maintenance compliance or inspections is provided in this paragraph.
Willie Walsh, the director general of the International Air Transport Association, has suggested installing cockpit cameras to aid aviation safety authorities in investigating accidents like the Air India crash[6]. This proposal is aimed at providing clearer evidence in the event of accidents, potentially helping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
References: [1] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-62017387 [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-62050257 [3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-62085342 [4] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-62085342 [5] https://www.bbc.com/news/business-62085342 [6] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-62085342
- Several Middle Eastern airlines, such as Flydubai, Etihad Airways, Saudia, Oman Air, and Air India, have started inspecting fuel control switches on Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft to ensure safety following the Air India 787-8 Dreamliner crash investigation.
- The UAE's aviation authorities have ordered national airlines to inspect fuel switches on Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft in their fleets.
- Air India, besides performing precautionary checks on its Boeing 787 aircraft, plans to partially restore its international flight schedule.
- The preliminary report of the Air India crash suggests a link to the fuel supply to the engines, but the investigation is still ongoing.
- Willie Walsh, the director general of the International Air Transport Association, has proposed the installation of cockpit cameras to aid aviation safety authorities in investigating accidents and prevent future tragedies.
- Flydubai and Oman Air have initiated or completed precautionary inspections of the fuel switches on their respective Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft, while Saudia has completed checks on its 787 fleet's fuel shut-off switch system.
- Etihad Airways, which operates 787 wide-body aircraft, asserts that its maintenance is fully compliant.
- Besides the Middle Eastern airlines, the aviation industries in Iran and Israel might also consider conducting similar inspections to ensure the safety of their guests and crew, given the potential implications of the Air India crash findings for general-news headlines, including those related to accidents, finance, transportation, sport, industry, and general-news.
