Air India Claims Boeing Dreamliner Remains One of the Safest Aircraft Amid Investigation
Air India has defended the safety of the Boeing Dreamliner amidst an investigation into the tragic crash of flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad, which resulted in 260 fatalities. During a recent session with the Parliamentary Accounts Committee, the airline emphasized that the Dreamliner remains one of the safest aircraft globally. Key officials, including the CEO of Air India, participated in discussions addressing safety protocols and emergency responses. The meeting also touched on airfares and the ongoing investigation into the crash, with preliminary findings from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau being presented. As the inquiry continues, the focus remains on ensuring aviation safety and accountability.
| Jul 9, 2025, 16:29 IST
Air India Addresses Safety Concerns Following Tragic Crash
Air India has reportedly asserted before the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) that the Boeing Dreamliner continues to be among the "safest aircraft in the world." This statement comes in the wake of an intensified investigation following the tragic crash of flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives. According to media reports, the PAC meeting, initially scheduled to focus on airport fees, dramatically shifted its agenda after the incident involving Air India's flight to London on June 12. The aircraft lost control shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad and crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel, claiming the lives of all 241 passengers and crew members on board, as well as 19 individuals on the ground.
Key Officials Appear Before the PAC
CEO of Air India, Wilson Campbell, along with top officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), attended the panel meeting. Representatives from major private airlines, including IndiGo and Akasa Air, were also present, where MPs raised questions regarding safety, accountability, and emergency response systems.
Discussion Highlights from the PAC Meeting
Comments from BJP MP Jagdambika Pal
During the meeting, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal noted that air safety was a primary topic of discussion. He mentioned that the meeting also covered the Buddhist circuit, emphasizing the significance of Buddhism and its associated countries and locations. Additionally, the rise in airfares was addressed, particularly following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and during the Kumbh Mela. The investigation into the black box from the Ahmedabad crash is ongoing, and the Dreamliner is still regarded as one of the safest aircraft.
Preliminary Report Submitted by AAIB
AAIB Presents Initial Findings
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has submitted its preliminary report to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other authorities. Sources indicate that data from the crash protection module (CPM) has been retrieved from one of the black boxes, and successful data downloads were completed at the AAIB lab in Delhi on June 25. To verify the data, a similar unit known as the "Golden Chassis" was utilized.