Ahmedabad plane crash: Air India CEO makes big claim, says 'left engine was...'

Ahmedabad plane crash: Air India CEO makes big claim, says 'left engine was...'
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Amid the ongoing probe regarding the fatal crash of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad airport that claimed 270 lives, Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson on Thursday claimed that the commercial plane was 'well-maintained', and its last major inspection was done in June 2023. He said that the next thorough inspection for the crashed Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was scheduled for December 2025.
In a message to passengers, Wilson stated that the Boeing plane was overhauled in March this year, with its left engine inspected in April 2025. He assured that the plane and its engine were regularly inspected and showed no issues before the ill-fated flight.
'The plane was well-maintained, with its last major check in June 2023 and the next scheduled for December 2025. Its right engine was overhauled in March 2025, and the left engine was inspected in April 2025. Both the aircraft and engines were regularly monitored, showing no issues before the flight,' Campbell Wilson said.
Air India will temporarily reduce its international wide-body flights by 15 percent starting June 20th, lasting until at least mid-July. This is due to increased pre-flight safety inspections of Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft, according to Campbell Wilson, the CEO.
Air India has implemented increased pre-flight safety inspections on its Boeing 787 aircraft to reassure passengers. These enhanced checks, while intended to build confidence, may cause some schedule disruptions.
'As a confidence-building measure, we have elected to continue enhanced pre-flight safety checks on our Boeing 787 fleet and, as an added measure, our Boeing 777 aircraft, for the time being. Given the time these additional checks will consume and the potential impact on schedules, we have decided to reduce our international wide-body flights by around 15 percent starting June 20, 2025, through to at least mid-July. This will also allow us to have more backup aircraft ready to handle any unexpected issues,' the Air India CEO added.
He further mentioned that Air India and the aviation industry are awaiting the official investigation report to determine the cause of the fatal crash.
The London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a hostel near Ahmedabad's BJ Medical College on June 12th, shortly after departing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The accident resulted in 241 fatalities out of 242 passengers and crew. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also among the deceased.

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Indian Express

27 minutes ago

• Indian Express

Will not release aircraft for service ‘where there is any doubt', Air India CEO tells staff

Air India has voluntarily decided to continue with enhanced pre-flight checks and will not release any aircraft for service 'where there is any doubt', the Tata group airline's CEO Campbell Wilson wrote in a message to the carrier's employees a week after the deadly crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft in Ahmedabad. Wilson also reiterated that Air India is cooperating completely in the air crash investigation as it is 'vital that the facts, whatever they may be, are known'. Wilson also said that even though a tragic crash has taken place, Air India's ambition on all counts, including safety and quality, stays the same, 'if not higher than before'. He also assured staff that Air India continues to have the full support of both its shareholders—Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. 'We have completed the additional precautionary checks on our operating Boeing 787 fleet as requested by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), who have publicly declared that they meet required standards. We have also, as a matter of abundant precaution, voluntarily decided to continue additional pre-flight checks for the time being. Where there is any doubt, we will not release aircraft—of any type—for service,' Wilson told staff. An Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft—operating flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed moments after take-off last Thursday. The ill-fated aircraft had 242 people on board, but only one survived the accident. There were several casualties on the ground as well. This was the worst aviation disaster involving an Indian airline in at least four decades, and the first-ever crash of the Boeing 787 anywhere in the world. The crash is being investigated by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). 'This has been a tragic event and we will learn whatever we can from it so that we are stronger in future. However, our aim in every respect, be it safety, quality, service, scale, reach, professionalism or any other dimension, remains the same if not higher than before,' Wilso said. The Air India CEO also dismissed speculation that Air India management was absent at the last rites of the crew of the doomed flight, assuring employees that the airline had 'senior representation' at each service. 'You may have read social media commentary on the perceived lack of visibility of Air India at the services held for our colleagues. I can assure you that we have had senior representation at each and every one. We are, however, taking care that our presence does not cause disruption at a time so important for families and loved ones, as a matter of respect,' he stated. Wilson said that he had met many Air India staff members who had some similar questions about the crash. In his communication to staff on Friday, the Air India CEO attempted to answer some of those. 'There are many theories (about why the aircraft crashed) but, as the accident is now under official investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, it is not appropriate for us to comment or speculate. We are providing all information requested by the AAIB and are cooperating completely. It is vital that the facts, whatever they may be, are known so that we and the industry at large can learn from them,' Wilson said. On the question of when the investigation report is expected, Wilson said: 'This is completely up to the AAIB. The final report can take many months, though the AAIB may choose to issue interim updates or reports. If there is any discovery during the investigation that suggests airlines or suppliers need to change something urgently, we have confidence that such information would be shared quickly. For our part, we will be transparent with what is shared with us'. Wilson also reiterated that Air India and the Tata group will continue supporting the families of victims 'long after the work in Ahmedabad is done for'. 'This is equally true for those of our colleagues, who we will support in the same way. We are also supporting those staff who have served in Ahmedabad upon their return to base with a mandatory break and counselling. The counselling services, which are confidential and provided by professionals, continue to be available to everyone and I encourage you to avail of it,' Wilson said. Sukalp Sharma is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express and writes on a host of subjects and sectors, notably energy and aviation. He has over 13 years of experience in journalism with a body of work spanning areas like politics, development, equity markets, corporates, trade, and economic policy. He considers himself an above-average photographer, which goes well with his love for travel. ... Read More

The Hindu

an hour ago

• The Hindu

Air India Art Collection at NGMA Bengaluru carries a whiff of nostalgia

Once upon a time, there was a maharajah who flew around on his private jet, sharing glimpses of India with people all over the world. And whenever he returned to his country, he would come laden with tales of the many wonders he had seen during his travels. The Maharajah (for that was his name and title) has long been the mascot for Air India, the country's national carrier; though, over the years, his role has been diminished and he is rarely seen in public. For those who remember his glory days, or wish to relive the nobility of a bygone era, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Bengaluru (NGMA-B) is displaying art from the Air India Collection. Titled Sanhita : A New Beginning for the Air India Collection, the exhibition showcases works of art that Air India collected over the years. The public rarely gets a chance to view these pieces, which were housed in the Air India offices in Mumbai. They were recently transferred to the NGMA and are on display for the first time in Bengaluru. According to Darshan Kumar YU, deputy curator at NGMA-B, Sanhita is an exceptional offering as it showcases important artworks, particularly from the Progressive Art Group (these were Indian artists who broke away from traditional art forms and established modern Indian styles), and offers insight into the culture and heritage of the times. Start of a repertoire Air India started collecting works of art and cultural assets in the early '60s — a time when modern Indian art needed the patronage, says Darshan, who not only curated the show but also conceptualised its design and display. The idea of creating such a collection began when artist B Prabha walked into the Air India office in Mumbai, following her graduation from the Sir JJ School of Art in the 1950s, to sell her artwork. Six of Prabha's paintings were purchased for 'a sum of 87 rupees and 8 annas each' and were later displayed at the Air India Booking Office in London, garnering a lot of attention. This prompted the start of a project to not only showcase Indian culture, but also give fillip to the airline's reputation and came to be known as the Maharaja Collection. 'These works of art would be displayed at official airline launches and other prestigious events where bhoota kunita and other cultural performances from different States would also be presented,' says Darshan. The collection built up over the years, and in some instances, a barter system was chalked out where artists would give the airline artworks in lieu of airfare. When artist Jitish Kallat had a show in London and the gallery could not afford his fare, Air India sponsored his travel. As a token of his gratitude, he created a painting which is on display at Sanhita, adds Darshan. The untitled piece of acrylic on canvas, was executed in 1998, and reflects Jitish's attention to detail, colour and texture, in his quest to capture contemporary life. Over time, the Air India Art Collection amassed over 10,000 pieces of art and artefacts that comprised paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs and more, besides rare books and clocks, costumes and jewellery. The collection of six decades is testament to both, traditional and modern Indian art history. Change of hands Needless to say, the transfer of this collection from Air India's treasure troves to NGMA's archives was a time-consuming process taking the the better part of five years, and was completed late last year. Darshan says, 'The Air India building in Mumbai housed a huge collection built over a period of time with works from so many artists; there were many formalities that had to be taken care of, especially in terms of documentation, before they were moved to NGMA Delhi.' Sanhita comprises as many as 180 works by iconic Indian artists such as MF Husain, KH Ara, FN Souza, B Vital, Kanchan Chandra, Arpana Caur, Pillo Puchkanwala and Achuthan Kudallur, alongside sculptures by Janaki Ram, Bhadri Narayan and S Nandagopal, among others. A statement by NGMA-B reads, 'The transfer of Air India's collection to NGMA symbolises the enduring connection between Indian art and institutional treasures, ensuring that the legacy of Air India's art collection remains a vital part of our artistic heritage. This collaboration has been instrumental in preserving and promoting India's cultural history.' Royal welcome A passageway in deep red and cream welcomes visitors to Sanhita — starting with a mirror ensconced in a jharokha frame reminiscent of the airline's windows. Illustrations by celebrated cartoonist Mario Miranda line the corridor throwing humorous light on the workings of the industry. 'The purpose of placing a mirror there was to look inwards and associate yourself with the journey of Air India. Not only is it about the art, but also the airline as a cultural asset. At its peak, Air India was a luxurious airline with journals and magazines of its own, crafting souvenirs to hand out to privileged passengers and of course, the use of the Maharaja as their ambassador,' says Darshan. A statuette of the Maharaja welcomes visitors, while brightly-coloured illustrations and souvenirs draw in visitors who may not be art lovers in the classical sense. Posters, postcards and other memorabilia depicting the Maharaja, as a debonair ambassador of all things Indian and his experiences in far off lands, make the showcase imminently relatable, especially a set of coasters designed by cartoonist RK Lakshman in his trademark style. A hand fan with a map of India cobbled together with different tourist attractions, and pages from the Maharaja's Book of Fairy Tales lining a wall, beckons visitors to participate in this immersive exhibition. Pages of an early inflight magazine, blown up and displayed on the wall, shed light on India's culture and heritage. 'These small-format stories make the show interesting and inclusive for visitors of all ages,' says Darshan. 'Besides, there is a clever play of words in The Book of Air, which offer a metaphorical understanding of Air India,' he adds, indicating the sepia-tinted pages which show the Maharajah at the salon in 'Hair-India' or in a rickshaw as 'Fresh-Air-India' or his head as a hot air balloon in 'Lighter-than-Air-India'. According to Darshan, it was not thoughtfulness or gimmickry alone that prompted Air India to bring out souvenirs and miniatures or postcards celebrating '100 Years of Bombay' or a particular wildlife species. 'They were keen on crafting items that were engaging and utilitarian as well. In an age where our entire lives revolve around our phones and laptops, the charm of those days remain unmatched.' Wonder walk While the entire collection includes rare works, a must-see is a piece by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali. 'The artist was commissioned by the airline to create a souvenir and he crafted an unusual ashtray. From one side it resembles a swan, but when viewed from another angle, one can see two swans and an elephant. If turned upside down, a swan and two elephant heads are visible,' says Darshan. As many as 600 editions of this piece crafted out of glazed bisque porcelain in two iterations — a blue or green serpent forming the rim of the ashtray. For his efforts, Dali requested a baby elephant as payment and the ashtray is part of an immersive and interactive display at Sanhita. 'It is interesting to see a proficient and internationally known artist in contrast with India's art scene at the time. It also captivates viewers' interest on how versatile artists can be.' he says. Among the other works, look out for art by husband-wife duo B Vital and B Prabha, Pilloo Pochkhanawala, tantric artist GR Santosh, a set of small format works by VS Gaitonde, an eight work cluster by Badri Narayan, and a huge canvas from MF Husain's Horses series. 'Anjolie Ela Menon's window works are also on display. Painted on windows, they have a 3D feel and have been beautifully incorporated into the space. With NGMA-B being a 100-year old building, her art offers a different connect,' he says. With over 180 works on display to marvel at, plan to spend the better of your day soaking in the spirit of these masters. It is a chance that may not come by in a while. Sanhita: A New Beginning for the Air India Collection will be on display at NGMA Bengaluru till August 31, 2025, with the possibility of an extension. Call 08022342338 for details.

Time of India

an hour ago

• Time of India

Air India bookings down 20%; fares dip up to 15% after Dreamliner crash

Bookings for Air India flights have declined by around 20 per cent on domestic as well as international routes while the average fares have dropped by 8-15 per cent in the aftermath of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash last week, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) President Ravi Gosain said on Friday. An Air India spokesperson did not respond to a query seeking comments from the airline. A London-bound Air India flight, AI-171 carrying 242 passengers and crew members crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12. All but one on board the plane died along with nearly 29 on the ground when the aircraft smashed into a medical complex in Meghaninagar area of the city shortly after takeoff. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 23.7% Returns in last 5 years with Shriram Life's ULIP Shriram Life Insurance Undo "Following the unfortunate incident involving Air India, we have observed a temporary decline in bookings, particularly on international sectors. While the exact percentage varies by route, our estimates indicate a dip of around 18-22 per cent on international bookings and a 10-12 per cent decline domestically in the immediate aftermath. However, this appears to be a short-term sentiment-driven reaction, as confidence typically stabilizes over time," Gosain told PTI. The IATO president shared that there has been a moderate adjustment in fares across key Air India routes. Live Events "On an average, ticket prices have reduced by 8-12 per cent on domestic sectors where the airline competes directly with low cost carriers like IndiGo and Akasa. On international routes, especially to Europe and Southeast Asia, fares have seen a drop of 10-15 per cent, depending on route occupancy and competition. These reductions are mix of promotional strategies and yield correction due to lowered demand," Gosain said. Asked whether there have been cancellations by travellers for Air India flights booked via tour operators, the IATO president said, "Yes, we have witnessed a noticeable rise in cancellations, particularly from corporate and high-end leisure travellers who prefer to switch to alternative carriers". He informed that the increase in cancellations was 15-18 per cent internationally, and 8-10 per cent domestically over the past week. However, this trend may normalize in the coming days as no systemic safety issue has been reported and authorities like DGCA reaffirm Air India's compliance with international safety standards. Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) General Secretary Rajiv Mehra also shared that an up to 20 per cent decline in bookings has been observed for Air India flights while the fares have turned cheaper by about 10 per cent on certain sectors where there is high competition with other carriers. "As far as Air India is concerned, fares are around 10 per cent cheaper for both domestic and international routes than other airlines on certain sectors. Besides, there is a 15-20 per cent decline in new bookings for Air India flights on domestic as well as international routes after the crash," Mehra said. He asserted that all airlines have to pull up their socks as far as aircraft maintenance is concerned, to ensure passengers.