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
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