Air India inspects entire fleet after deadly crash

Air India has inspected its entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 737 planes after last month’s crash.

Air India confirms inspection of Boeing fleet following deadly crash

Air India has conducted a thorough inspection of its fleet, specifically its Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 737 aircraft, in light of the tragic crash last month that resulted in 261 fatalities, including numerous British citizens. Following the crash of flight 171, which crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, Air India has reported no faults in the locking mechanism of fuel control switches, which had been identified as a potential cause of the disaster. The airline emphasized that these inspections encompassed its entire fleet, including 33 Dreamliners and over 70 Boeing 737 jets. Additionally, India's aviation regulator has mandated inspections of these fuel control switches by all airlines operating similar Boeing models. Alongside the inspections, Air India has faced operational challenges, including service disruptions, delays, and a recent incident where a flight partially exited a runway in Mumbai during heavy rain.

The recent safety focus on Air India reflects a broader concern regarding aviation standards in India. The airline's recent operational struggles may affect public trust, especially following a significant tragedy. Air India's commitment to scrutinizing its fleet is crucial, yet the pressure on the airline to improve safety could lead to further operational challenges. With Tata Sons' ownership bringing new investments and plans, the question remains how effectively they can balance expansion with stringent safety requirements. Increased scrutiny from regulators is essential, but operational efficiency must also be prioritized to restore confidence among passengers.

Highlights

Air India's future will depend on a swift and effective response to safety challenges.