Plane accidents and mishaps: Is it accurate to say that Boeing aircraft are more hazardous compared to Airbus?
Last week's devastating airplane crash in India, which claimed 279 lives, has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry. Just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, a Boeing 787-8 plummeted into a residential area, marking the deadliest aviation disaster since 2014. But surprisingly, the aftermath of this disaster hasn't Lead to any cancellations or order halts for the embattled American manufacturer, Boeing.
Before the crash, Boeing was hoping for a fresh start at the Paris Air Show, a major international aerospace and space event. However, the mention of the 787-8, the model involved in the crash, immediately rekindled debates about its safety. First introduced in 2011 and currently operated by over 80 companies, this was the Boeing 787-8's first crash.
Yet, despite concerns, Boeing remains confident in its 787 program as part of its broader commercial aircraft market recovery. Air India, under the Tata Group's ownership, is pushing ahead with fleet modernization, with significant 787 orders planned to continue through 2025. Deliveries and expansions are scheduled despite the crash-related safety debates.
Regulatory bodies, too, are walking a fine line between ensuring safety and avoiding premature fleet groundings. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered enhanced safety inspections for Air India's 787-8 and 787-9 fleet equipped with Genx engines. Japanese aviation authorities have also ordered inspections on their 787 fleets, but U.S. regulators, including the FAA, have deemed grounding the models premature.
The FAA has proposed new airworthiness directives, reflecting ongoing regulatory attention on safety. While there are no immediate indications of groundings or order cancellations, safety concerns have been raised, particularly around engine and fuel system reliability.
In summary, Boeing 787-8 orders remain steady, with Air India pushing ahead with its fleet modernization plans, including significant 787 orders. Regulatory bodies have mandated stricter inspections and maintenance checks on the Boeing 787 fleet, particularly for Air India, but have not ordered fleet groundings. Safety debates have intensified, particularly around engine and fuel systems, but Boeing and regulators are emphasizing ongoing scrutiny without disrupting existing orders or operations. This temporary paused approach helps maintain confidence in the aircraft's safety record while investigations proceed.
Boeing's commercial aircraft market recovery strategy includes significant upcoming orders for the 787-8 model, as Air India plans to push ahead with fleet modernization, despite the recent crash. Regulatory bodies have initiated enhanced safety inspections for Boeing 787 fleets, particularly for Air India's equipped with Genx engines, but have not ordered fleet groundings in the finance sector.
