Latest news with #Boeing787
Hindustan Times
33 minutes ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
‘No aircraft will fly if in doubt': Air India CEO days after Ahmedabad crash
Air India has voluntarily decided to continue additional pre-flight checks on all its wide-body fleet for the time being as a matter of precaution, the airline's chief executive officer and managing director, Campbell Wilson, has said. He underlined that they would not release aircraft of any type for service if there was any doubt. In an email to the employees days after the June 12 Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, Wilson said the additional pre-flight checks are among the reasons for reduced flights. 'The additional pre-flight checks we are doing reduces the number of hours aircraft are available to operate, which – also considering the extra flight time arising from new airspace closures in the Middle East, on top of the Pakistan closure - is why we have... [decided] to reduce the amount of flying over the coming weeks. We will progressively restore when the time is right.' The London-bound Air India flight with 242 people aboard began losing altitude seconds after take-off and crashed in a densely populated residential area near Ahmedabad airport. A 40-year-old passenger was the sole survivor while approximately 30 people died on the ground. It was the worst civil aviation disaster in over a decade globally, and in India in over 30 years. Wilson said the airline has completed the additional precautionary checks on the Boeing 787 fleet, as per the regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)'s request, and 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,' said the email, a copy of which HT has seen. He added that the final report can take many months, though the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) may choose to issue interim updates or reports. 'If there is any discovery during the investigation that suggests the airline 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 said there are many theories about the crash and underlined that it is inappropriate to comment or speculate as the accident is now under the AAIB investigation. '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 underlined the need for learning from the crash so that the airline is stronger in the future. '...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.' He said that they continue to mourn for the lives lost in the tragedy and to support those who have been affected. Wilson added that around 500 colleagues from Air India and 17 other Tata companies were in Ahmedabad to help the families of passengers, crew, and those killed on the ground. '...progress is being made, together with the authorities, on reconciling families with their loved ones, and as of this morning, more than 200 have received some degree of solace and closure,' he wrote. 'We will continue supporting those affected long after the work in Ahmedabad is done, as our Chairman has said, these families are now Tata families.' Wilson cited social media commentary on a perceived lack of visibility of Air India at the funeral services for their colleagues and said they have had senior representation at each 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.' Wilson said the airline is supporting the staff who 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...I encourage you to avail yourself of it.'
India Gazette
2 hours ago
- General
- India Gazette
AI 171 crash: 202 bodies handed over and 220 victims identified, says Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 20 (ANI): Almost a week after the deadly Air India crash that took place in Ahmedabad, DNA samples of 220 victims had been matched with their families and the mortal remains of 202 passengers have been released, announced Gujarat Minister of Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education Rushikesh Patel on Friday. In a post on X, Rushikesh Patel wrote, 'UPDATED UP TO :- 20/06/2025 , 11:45 A.M. NO. OF DNA MATCH - 220, NO. OF RELATIVES CONTACTED- 220, NO. OF MORTAL RELEASED- 202.' Of the 220 victims identified in the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad, 151 were Indian nationals, 34 were British, 7 Portuguese, one was Canadian, and 9 were non-passengers. So far, 202 bodies have been handed over, 15 sent by air and 187 by ambulance, while the remaining mortal remains will be released soon. 'Indians 151, Portuguese 7, British 34, Canada 1, Non passengers AIR - 15, By road via ambulance - Mortal remains will be handed over soon,' the post further reads. Meanwhile, on Thursday, Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said that the flight AI-171, which crashed shortly after taking off in Ahmedabad on June 12, was 'well-maintained' and both the aircraft and its engines were regularly monitored, showing no issue before the flight. In a wordy statement for its customers, Air India's CEO informed that the plane had undergone its last major check in June 2023, while its right engine was overhauled in March of this year, and the left engine was inspected in April 2025. '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 CEO assured that they are working with the aviation industry and waiting for the official investigation report to provide more information about the crash in which 241 out of the 242 passengers on board were killed after the plane crashed into the BJ Medical college's boys hostel building. Campbell Wilson further added that Air India has completed inspection on 26 Boeing 787 aircraft out of 33 of its aircraft as per the directions of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after the tragedy. He added that following the review of Air India aircraft, the DGCA has confirmed that our Boeing 787 fleet and maintenance processes fully meet safety standards. On June 12, a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a hostel complex of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat's Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The tragedy claimed 241 lives out of 242 onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. (ANI)
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Air India cancels eight flights as post-crash safety checks hit operations across major domestic and international routes
Air India cancelled at least eight more flights on Friday, citing ongoing maintenance and operational checks. These continued disruptions come after the June 12 Ahmedabad–London Gatwick Dreamliner crash that left 271 dead, including more than 30 people on the ground. The airline remains under increased scrutiny, as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) intensifies safety checks across the Boeing 787 fleet. Affected routes on June 20 Friday's cancellations included both international and domestic routes. Among the international flights called off were AI906 (Dubai–Chennai), AI308 (Delhi–Melbourne), AI309 (Melbourne–Delhi), and AI2204 (Dubai–Hyderabad). On the domestic side, the affected flights included AI874 (Pune–Delhi), AI456 (Ahmedabad–Delhi), and AI2872 (Hyderabad–Mumbai). These cancellations follow a week of similar disruptions, most notably on Tuesday, when 13 Dreamliner-operated flights were grounded. This included AI-159, the revised flight number for the Ahmedabad–London route previously listed as AI-171. That aircraft was expected to resume services but remained grounded due to aircraft unavailability. DGCA oversight and safety status The DGCA has ordered detailed safety reviews of Air India's Dreamliner aircraft. As per updates shared on June 18, 24 of the 33 Boeing 787s in Air India's fleet had undergone safety inspections. Two aircraft are currently listed as AOG (Aircraft on Ground) at Delhi Airport due to maintenance requirements. Since the crash, a total of 66 Dreamliner flights have been cancelled. On the day of the incident alone, six Dreamliner-operated services were halted. The regulatory body continues to schedule more aircraft for inspection in the coming days as the situation evolves. Operational challenges continue Air India's flight cancellations reflect a broader challenge in managing safety demands and maintaining operational continuity. As maintenance and checks proceed, the airline is working to stabilise its schedules and address logistical pressures across its domestic and international safety checks still ongoing, Air India faces growing disruptions as it balances regulatory demands with maintaining essential flight services.
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Air India's Delhi-Pune Flight Suffers Bird-Hit, Return Journey Cancelled
Last Updated: The bird hit was detected after it touched down in Pune, the airline said in a statement. A Pune-bound Air India flight from New Delhi suffered a bird hit on Friday, forcing the airline to cancel its return journey. The Air India flight AI-2469, carrying around 100 passengers, had departed from Delhi at 5:31 am and landed safely in Pune at 7:14 am. The bird hit was detected after it touched down in Pune, the airline said in a statement. 'Flight AI2470 scheduled to operate from Pune to Delhi on June 20 has been cancelled due to a bird-hit which was detected after the incoming flight landed safely in Pune," it said. The flight has now been grounded for extensive checks by the engineering team. The airline also said it is making all arrangements, including providing accommodation for the stranded passengers. Refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling is also being offered to passengers who opt for it, the airline said, adding that alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to Delhi. 'Refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling is also being offered to guests who opt for it. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to Delhi. At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority," the statement said. Meanwhile, the airline has cancelled several domestic and international flights on Friday following emergence of technical glitches in multiple aircrafts. The flights have been cancelled owing to enhanced maintenance works and operational reasons, the airline said in a statement. While the affected domestic flights include AI874 from Pune to Delhi, AI456 from Ahmedabad to Delhi, AI-2872 from Hyderabad to Mumbai and AI571 from Chennai to Mumbai. Further Air India on Thursday announced that it will curtail 38 international flights per week and temporarily suspend operations on three overseas routes from June 21 to July 15, 2025. This comes in the wake of the horrific Ahmedabad plane crash, involving a Boeing 787 on June 12, which claimed at least 270 lives. First Published:
Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Air India international flight cancelled? Try these alternate airlines and routes
Live Events Flight Sector Original Flight Schedule Change Alternate Options (Days & Details) Delhi–Nairobi AI961/962 (Suspended) 21 June–30 June 2025 Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha (daily services) Amritsar–London (Gatwick) AI169/170 (Suspended) 21 June–15 July 2025 BA256 daily, departs 10:05 IST from DEL to LHR Goa–London (Gatwick) AI145/146 (Suspended) 21 June–15 July 2025 Qatar Airways via Doha (daily), Air India via Mumbai (daily) Delhi–Toronto Reduced from 13× to 7× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 Air Canada non-stop Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun (Winter schedule) ; British Airways via LHR (daily) | Delhi–Vancouver Reduced from 7× to 5× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 Air Canada direct (daily), Lufthansa via Frankfurt (daily) Delhi–San Francisco Reduced from 10× to 7× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 United Airlines direct daily, Emirates via Dubai daily Delhi–Chicago Reduced from 7× to 3× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 United Airlines direct daily, Etihad via Abu Dhabi daily Delhi–Washington (Dulles) Reduced from 5× to 3× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 United Airlines direct daily, Qatar Airways via Doha daily Delhi–London (Heathrow) Reduced from 24× to 22× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 BA256 daily 10:05 departure , Virgin Atlantic direct daily Bengaluru–London (Heathrow) Reduced from 7× to 6× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 British Airways direct daily, Emirates via Dubai daily Amritsar–Birmingham Reduced from 3× to 2× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 Lufthansa via Frankfurt daily, Qatar Airways via Doha daily Delhi–Birmingham Reduced from 3× to 2× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 Emirates via Dubai daily, Air India direct daily Delhi–Paris Reduced from 14× to 12× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 Air France direct daily, Vistara via Mumbai daily Delhi–Milan Reduced from 7× to 4× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 Lufthansa via Munich daily, Emirates via Dubai daily Delhi–Copenhagen Reduced from 5× to 3× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 Lufthansa via Frankfurt daily, Qatar via Doha daily Delhi–Vienna Reduced from 4× to 3× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 Austrian direct daily, Turkish via Istanbul daily Delhi–Amsterdam Reduced from 7× to 5× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 KLM direct daily, Emirates via Dubai daily Delhi–Melbourne Reduced from 7× to 5× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 Qantas direct daily, Singapore via SIN daily Delhi–Sydney Reduced from 7× to 5× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 Qantas direct daily, Malaysia via KUL daily Delhi–Tokyo (Haneda) Reduced from 7× to 6× weekly 21 June–15 July 2025 ANA direct daily, Cathay via HK daily Delhi–Seoul (Incheon) Reduced to 3×→4× weekly 21 June–5 July (3×), 6–15 July (4×) Korean Air direct daily, Thai via Bangkok daily Air India has announced a reduction in international services on its Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft by 15% until at least 15 July 2025. This follows an announcement on 18 June 2025 after flight AI171 tragically crashed, killing 241 passengers, this means fewer direct flights on key routes and some schedule changes over the next few weeks. Air India said it is making these adjustments to enhance safety checks and manage longer routes due to airspace restrictions. The airline has assured affected travellers they will receive advance notice, alternative options to rebook without extra cost, or a full refund if curtailment is due to enhanced pre-flight safety checks ordered by the DGCA. Inspections have been completed on 26 of 33 Boeing 787 aircraft so far. Air India will also check its Boeing 777s.(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)The reductions arise from the decision to voluntarily undertake enhanced pre-flight safety checks, as well as accommodate additional flight durations arising from airspace closures in the Middle East. The objective is to restore schedule stability and minimise last-minute inconvenience to passengers, Air India said in Air India explained, 'The objective is to restore schedule stability and minimise last-minute inconvenience.'Air India said it hoped to return to full operations after mid-July and promised to work closely with DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
