India ramps up inspections of Boeing 787s after fatal crash
INDIA aviation regulators said urgent safety checks would be carried out for dozens of Boeing Co. 787 jets in the wake of the Air India crash that killed all but one of the 242 people on board.
Air India so far has completed one-time inspections under the direction of India's aviation regulator across nine of the Dreamliner jets in its fleet, with 24 aircraft left to inspect, the carrier said in a post on X on Saturday.
The checks are being done as the 787 jets return to India, before being cleared for their next flights. 'Some of these checks could lead to higher turnaround time and potential delays on certain long-haul routes,' Air India said.
The nation's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, said Friday it had ordered maintenance checks on all of Air India's Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners equipped with General Electric Co.'s GEnx engines.
The inspections, to be carried out over two weeks, cover fuel, cabin-air, engine-control and hydraulics systems after the Air India plane appeared to lose thrust as it took off.
Investigators have been surveying the wreckage of Air India flight AI171 to determine what caused the aircraft to fail shortly after takeoff on Thursday and plunge into a densely populated residential area in the western city of Ahmedabad. The incident ranks as the worst disaster in civil aviation in more than a decade.
The accident site was cordoned off Saturday after rescue operations ended and the probe intensified. Experts from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and Boeing, as well as several civil aviation authorities, have surveyed the location. One of the plane's two black boxes — which hold key flight and voice data from the flight — has been found.
The last communication from flight captain Sumeet Sabharwal to air traffic control was 'Mayday…no thrust, losing power, unable to lift,' the UK's Telegraph newspaper reported.
Thursday's crash is the first-ever complete loss of a 787, a plane Boeing introduced more than a decade ago with advanced lightweight composite materials that improve fuel efficiency.
Airlines around the world are waiting to see if regulators would demand broader inspections of 787 jets, or even a grounding, though so far they haven't taken that step.
'The remaining aircraft are being checked on an urgent basis,' India said in an update on its website Saturday. 'The DGCA has also intensified ongoing surveillance of maintenance protocols and airworthiness procedures for all wide-body aircraft operating in India.'
Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu told reporters in New Delhi that a special multidepartment team has been set up to investigate all the non-technical aspects around the crash and will issue a report in three months.
Eight of the 34 Boeing 787 planes in the country have been inspected, he said. Air India said it was working to complete checks for its remaining aircraft. It was unclear if Naidu was including in the tally an additional jet, leased by IndiGo. A representative for IndiGo didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Investigative teams from the UK and US arrived Friday in Ahmedabad to assist with the crash probe. Bodies were being released in batches on Friday from the hospital's post-mortem room.
Students of the B.J. Medical College were having lunch in their hostel dining hall on Thursday when the jet loaded with fuel smashed into the building and exploded. Medical students were overcome with emotion as they received the bodies of friends who had lost their lives.
More than 200 trained caregivers are in place to provide counseling and other services to family members of victims, Air India's Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson said in a video posted on X on Saturday. Members of Air India's management were also on site, he added.
Air India will be paying the equivalent of roughly 21,000 British pounds ($28,500) to each of the families of the deceased and to the survivor, the carrier said. This is in addition to the some 85,000 British pounds announced by Air India owner Tata Sons. –BLOOMBERG
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Air India warned for flying Airbus planes with unchecked escape slides, expired safety gear
NEW DELHI, June 20 — India's aviation regulator has warned Air India for breaching safety rules after three of its Airbus planes flew despite being overdue checks on emergency equipment, and for being slow to address the issue, government documents show. The warning notices and an investigation report — both reviewed by Reuters — were not in any way related to last week's crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 plane that killed all but one of the 242 people onboard, and were sent days before that incident. In the report, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said spot checks in May on three Air India Airbus planes found that they were operated despite mandatory inspections being overdue on the 'critical emergency equipment' of escape slides. In one case, the watchdog found that the inspection of an Airbus A320 jet was delayed by more than a month before being carried out on May 15. AirNav Radar data shows that during the delay the plane flew to international destinations such as Dubai, Riyadh and Jeddah. Another case, involving an Airbus A319 used on domestic routes, showed checks were over three months late, while a third showed an inspection was two days late. 'The above cases indicate that aircraft were operated with expired or unverified emergency equipment, which is a violation of standard airworthiness and safety requirements,' the DGCA report said. Air India 'failed to submit timely compliance responses' to deficiencies raised by the DGCA, 'further evidencing weak procedural control and oversight,' it added. Air India, which was taken over by the Tata Group in 2022 from the government, said in statement that it was 'accelerating' verification of all maintenance records, including dates of the escape slides, and would complete the process in the coming days. In one of the cases, Air India said, the issue came to light when an engineer from AI Engineering Services 'inadvertently deployed an escape slide during maintenance'. The DGCA and Airbus did not respond to Reuters queries. Checks on escape slides are 'a very serious issue. In case of accident, if they don't open, it can lead to serious injuries,' said Vibhuti Singh, a former legal expert at the government's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. The DGCA said in its report that the certificates of airworthiness for aircraft that miss mandatory checks were 'deemed suspended'. The warning notices and the report were sent by Animesh Garg, a deputy director of airworthiness in the Indian government, to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson as well as the airline's continuing airworthiness manager, quality manager and head of planning, the documents showed. An Indian aviation lawyer said such breaches typically attract monetary and civil penalties on both individual executives and the airline. Wilson told Reuters last year that global parts shortages were affecting most airlines, but the problem was 'more acute' for Air India as its 'product is obviously a lot more dated', with many planes not refreshed since they were delivered in 2010-2011. 'Systemic control failure' The Indian regulator, like many abroad, often fines airlines for compliance lapses. India's junior aviation minister in February told parliament that authorities had warned or fined airlines in 23 instances for safety violations last year. Around half of them — 12 — involved Air India and Air India Express, including in one case for 'unauthorised entry into cockpit'. The biggest fine was $127,000 on Air India for 'insufficient oxygen on board' during a flight to San Francisco. Last week's crash, the causes of which are still being investigated, will further challenge Air India's attempts to rebuild its image, after years of criticism from travellers for poor service. Air India's Chairman N. Chandrasekaran on Monday told staff the crash should be a catalyst to build a safer airline, urging employees to stay resolute amid any criticism. In its report, the DGCA also said several Air India aircraft checked by officials had outdated registration paperwork. Air India told Reuters all but one aircraft complied with such requirements and this 'poses no impact' to safety. The DGCA investigation report pulled up the airline for what it described as 'inadequate internal oversight.' 'Despite prior notifications and identified deficiencies, the organisation's internal quality and planning departments failed to implement effective corrective action, indicating systemic control failure,' it said. — Reuters
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia sharpens its focus on becoming regional aerospace and shipbuilding hub
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is sharpening its focus on becoming a regional aerospace and shipbuilding hub, banking on high value investment, technical capability and geostrategic positioning to elevate its industrial profile over the next decade. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, chief executive officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said the country is well positioned to serve as a competitive ASEAN aerospace base, driven by its strength in engineering, maintenance services and systems integration. 'At MIDA, our strategy hinges on high-quality investments, fostering local global partnerships and advancing key enablers such as industrial digitalisation and sustainability,' he said in an interview with Bernama. To date, Malaysia's aerospace sector has secured RM26 billion in approved investments, with more than 18,000 jobs generated, affirming the nation's growing significance in the regional aerospace value chain. In 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, the sector attracted RM1.5 billion spproved investments, of which 71.3 per cent was from foreign sources, with the remainder driven by domestic capital. These projects are expected to create more than 550 skilled jobs, primarily in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, particularly among Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Malaysia already hosts Boeing's only wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia, Boeing Composites Malaysia (BCM), which produces composite parts for all Boeing commercial aircraft. President of Boeing Southeast Asia, Penny Burtt regards Malaysia as a valued partner across Boeing's commercial aviation, defence and services businesses. She said Boeing's efforts in Malaysia include advancing aviation safety, supporting sustainability initiatives, strengthening the supply chain, engaging the community and nurturing the aerospace workforce of the future. 'Boeing's 78-year presence in Malaysia is a testimony to our longstanding commitment to the country and the broader Southeast Asia region. BCM in Kedah, Boeing's first wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia, taps the country's growing capabilities and talented workforce. 'Today, with all-Malaysian employees, BCM supplies composite products and subassemblies for all Boeing commercial airplanes,' she said. Strategic Shift to Maritime While aerospace remains the headline, Sikh Shamsul said Malaysia's ambitions extend offshore, while pointing to the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) sector as an emerging pillar, underpinned by targeted investment and sustainability mandates. 'Malaysia should always remain vigilant of rising competition from lower cost yards in neighbouring economies such as Vietnam and Indonesia,' he said, adding that cost competitiveness alone will not secure the country's long-term standing. Instead, he said, Malaysia should start focusing on reducing reliance on foreign automation tools, by approaching local robotic manufacturing in Malaysia that could build a whole new automated system integration to improve productivity in the SBSR manufacturing landscape. Muhibbah Engineering (M) Bhd group managing director Mac Ngan Boon said Malaysia's geography gives the company a natural edge - over 4,600 kilometres of coastline and the domestic needs for various vessel and strategies. 'Innovation is central to our operations. We have adopted advanced technologies such as computer numerical control (CNC) laser cutting, virtual ship prototyping, and real-time simulations. These tools improve design precision, reduce production costs and enhance overall efficiency. 'We are also taking proactive steps towards sustainability, including exploring green vessel designs powered by solar and electric energy. These initiatives reflect our long-term commitment to building vessels that meet both market and environmental demands,' he said. Looking ahead, he said the group's upcoming Kuantan Maritime Hub will be a game-changer — featuring a larger shipyard, defence and training facilities, as well as maritime partners and vendors. 'This is part of our long-term strategy to strengthen the maritime ecosystem and position Malaysia as a future leader in the sector. 'We also aspire for Malaysia to place strong emphasis on developing the entire maritime industry — from establishing dedicated maritime institutes to cultivating the necessary talent and building a robust vendor and supply chain network' he said. Flagship Maritime Developments Taking Shape Malaysia is developing flagship projects such as Lumut Maritime Industrial City, Kuala Linggi International Port and Kuantan Maritime Hub to transition its maritime sector from traditional shipbuilding to advanced technologically integrated manufacturing and logistics, aiming to boost competitiveness, create jobs and foster sustainable practices. To date, MIDA has approved RM1 billion in investments for the SBSR sector. In the first quarter of 2025, the sector attracted an additional RM574.8 million, signalling sustained investor confidence. Industry growth has been driven largely by demand in the leisure and security vessel segments, with Malaysian yards now producing high specification yachts and defence-related boats. Exports have reached markets as diverse as Australia, Europe, Nigeria and Brazil. Charting a Dual-Engine Future With its twin ambitions in aerospace and maritime manufacturing, Malaysia is signalling a shift from cost-driven industrialisation to value-based engineering and strategic export leadership. As global supply chains recalibrate in response to geopolitical shocks and regional fragmentation, Malaysia must reframe its role as a high-trust systems integrator. This means anchoring local firms in design, integration, and value-added services — particularly for MRO, naval systems and advanced composite manufacturing. On the aerospace front, the country must accelerate its ambition to build sovereign capabilities in composite structures, avionics and sustainable aviation technologies. This requires stronger integration between SMEs and OEMs, not just as contract manufacturers but as co-development and IP-owning partners. Malaysia's strategy for these industries must adapt to global geopolitical changes, including; reconfiguring trade alliances, the emergence of dual-use technologies, and the trend of nearshoring, to define its desired strategic autonomy.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia sharpens its focus on becoming regional aerospace
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is sharpening its focus on becoming a regional aerospace and shipbuilding hub, banking on high value investment, technical capability and geostrategic positioning to elevate its industrial profile over the next decade. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, chief executive officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said the country is well positioned to serve as a competitive ASEAN aerospace base, driven by its strength in engineering, maintenance services and systems integration. 'At MIDA, our strategy hinges on high-quality investments, fostering local global partnerships and advancing key enablers such as industrial digitalisation and sustainability,' he said in an interview with Bernama. To date, Malaysia's aerospace sector has secured RM26 billion in approved investments, with more than 18,000 jobs generated, affirming the nation's growing significance in the regional aerospace value chain. In 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, the sector attracted RM1.5 billion spproved investments, of which 71.3 per cent was from foreign sources, with the remainder driven by domestic capital. These projects are expected to create more than 550 skilled jobs, primarily in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, particularly among Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Malaysia already hosts Boeing's only wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia, Boeing Composites Malaysia (BCM), which produces composite parts for all Boeing commercial aircraft. President of Boeing Southeast Asia, Penny Burtt regards Malaysia as a valued partner across Boeing's commercial aviation, defence and services businesses. She said Boeing's efforts in Malaysia include advancing aviation safety, supporting sustainability initiatives, strengthening the supply chain, engaging the community and nurturing the aerospace workforce of the future. 'Boeing's 78-year presence in Malaysia is a testimony to our longstanding commitment to the country and the broader Southeast Asia region. BCM in Kedah, Boeing's first wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia, taps the country's growing capabilities and talented workforce. 'Today, with all-Malaysian employees, BCM supplies composite products and subassemblies for all Boeing commercial airplanes,' she said. Strategic Shift to Maritime While aerospace remains the headline, Sikh Shamsul said Malaysia's ambitions extend offshore, while pointing to the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) sector as an emerging pillar, underpinned by targeted investment and sustainability mandates. 'Malaysia should always remain vigilant of rising competition from lower cost yards in neighbouring economies such as Vietnam and Indonesia,' he said, adding that cost competitiveness alone will not secure the country's long-term standing. Instead, he said, Malaysia should start focusing on reducing reliance on foreign automation tools, by approaching local robotic manufacturing in Malaysia that could build a whole new automated system integration to improve productivity in the SBSR manufacturing landscape. Muhibbah Engineering (M) Bhd group managing director Mac Ngan Boon said Malaysia's geography gives the company a natural edge - over 4,600 kilometres of coastline and the domestic needs for various vessel and strategies. 'Innovation is central to our operations. We have adopted advanced technologies such as computer numerical control (CNC) laser cutting, virtual ship prototyping, and real-time simulations. These tools improve design precision, reduce production costs and enhance overall efficiency. 'We are also taking proactive steps towards sustainability, including exploring green vessel designs powered by solar and electric energy. These initiatives reflect our long-term commitment to building vessels that meet both market and environmental demands,' he said. Looking ahead, he said the group's upcoming Kuantan Maritime Hub will be a game-changer — featuring a larger shipyard, defence and training facilities, as well as maritime partners and vendors. 'This is part of our long-term strategy to strengthen the maritime ecosystem and position Malaysia as a future leader in the sector. 'We also aspire for Malaysia to place strong emphasis on developing the entire maritime industry — from establishing dedicated maritime institutes to cultivating the necessary talent and building a robust vendor and supply chain network' he said. Flagship Maritime Developments Taking Shape Malaysia is developing flagship projects such as Lumut Maritime Industrial City, Kuala Linggi International Port and Kuantan Maritime Hub to transition its maritime sector from traditional shipbuilding to advanced technologically integrated manufacturing and logistics, aiming to boost competitiveness, create jobs and foster sustainable practices. To date, MIDA has approved RM1 billion in investments for the SBSR sector. In the first quarter of 2025, the sector attracted an additional RM574.8 million, signalling sustained investor confidence. Industry growth has been driven largely by demand in the leisure and security vessel segments, with Malaysian yards now producing high specification yachts and defence-related boats. Exports have reached markets as diverse as Australia, Europe, Nigeria and Brazil. Charting a Dual-Engine Future With its twin ambitions in aerospace and maritime manufacturing, Malaysia is signalling a shift from cost-driven industrialisation to value-based engineering and strategic export leadership. As global supply chains recalibrate in response to geopolitical shocks and regional fragmentation, Malaysia must reframe its role as a high-trust systems integrator. This means anchoring local firms in design, integration, and value-added services — particularly for MRO, naval systems and advanced composite manufacturing. On the aerospace front, the country must accelerate its ambition to build sovereign capabilities in composite structures, avionics and sustainable aviation technologies. This requires stronger integration between SMEs and OEMs, not just as contract manufacturers but as co-development and IP-owning partners. Malaysia's strategy for these industries must adapt to global geopolitical changes, including; reconfiguring trade alliances, the emergence of dual-use technologies, and the trend of nearshoring, to define its desired strategic autonomy.
