In brief
The investigation into the Air India flight AI171 crash is ongoing, with new insights revealed about the aircraft’s engine statuses. According to N Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Air India, one of the engines on the crashed Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was brand new, having been installed just recently, while the other engine was not due for servicing until December 2025. This disclosure comes after the plane tragically went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of 270 people on board.
Mr. Chandrasekaran emphasized the aircraft's clean maintenance history, stating that experts are currently analyzing the black boxes recovered from the crash site, which will help unravel the final moments of the flight. Kishore Chinta, a former investigator with India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, noted that the health of an engine is determined by various factors beyond mere age, highlighting how modern engines like the Genx-1B used in the 787-8 are monitored via advanced systems that may not necessarily align with traditional maintenance schedules. As the inquiry unfolds, Air India has proactively decided to cut its international operations by 15% concerning its wide-body fleet until mid-July, citing the need for enhanced safety checks and heightened caution among crew and ground staff. Thus far, routine inspections have cleared a majority of the airline's Boeing 787 fleet for service. While the immediate focus is on ensuring safety, experts suggest that the crash could present further challenges for Air India as it seeks to transition from state ownership to a fully privately-owned airline under Tata Sons. The investigation continues as the aviation community and related stakeholders await further insights into this tragic event that has profound implications on Air India's operations and future.
