Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson on Friday reaffirmed the safety of the airline’s fleet, particularly its Boeing 787 aircraft, following the tragic AI171 crash in Ahmedabad. In an official statement to employees and the public, he stressed that the airline is operating with “maximum caution” and will continue additional safety checks voluntarily beyond the mandated inspections by India’s aviation regulator, DGCA.
“We have completed the additional precautionary checks on our operating Boeing 787 fleet as requested by the DGCA, who have publicly declared that they meet required standards,” Campbell said.
The Air India chief added that no aircraft would be cleared for flight in case of any doubt, regardless of type. He also highlighted that more pre-flight checks are currently being performed, which is impacting fleet availability and has temporarily reduced some flight operations.
On the tragic AI171 incident on June 12, which claimed 241 lives—including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani—Campbell Wilson conveyed deep condolences and assured that the airline, alongside the Tata Group, remains committed to supporting the families of victims and affected staff long after the immediate crisis ends.
“Around 500 colleagues from Air India and 17 other Tata companies remain in Ahmedabad helping families. More than 200 families have received some degree of solace and closure so far,” Campbell informed.
He responded to social media concerns regarding Air India’s presence at memorial services for its crew, assuring that senior representation was present at every ceremony, though kept discreet to respect the privacy and emotions of bereaved families.
Addressing operational concerns, Campbell clarified that the crash remains under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and that Air India is cooperating fully:
“It’s inappropriate for us to speculate. The AAIB will release its findings in due course. Should there be any urgent discoveries, the industry will be informed promptly.”
On flight reductions, the CEO confirmed that extra pre-flight checks combined with new airspace restrictions over the Middle East and Pakistan have reduced aircraft availability, necessitating temporary cuts in flight schedules.
Looking ahead, he emphasized that Air India’s commitment to safety, service, and quality remains stronger than ever, and the airline’s future plans will not change, bolstered by “the full support of both shareholders.”
The CEO also addressed staff welfare, stating that all employees involved in ground support at Ahmedabad are receiving mandatory rest breaks and professional counselling, which remains available to all Air India personnel.
The crash occurred on June 12, when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, striking a hostel complex at BJ Medical College and causing devastating loss of life.
The aviation community now awaits the findings of the official AAIB investigation, expected to provide clarity and recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future.