In the wake of the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI171, which killed 241 people on Thursday, the Union government is actively considering grounding the Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 fleet, according to official sources. The move comes as part of a broader safety review being discussed between Indian and US aviation authorities.
The aircraft, part of Air India’s wide-body long-haul fleet, plunged into the residential quarters of BJ Medical College doctors in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area just seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Only one passenger out of the 242 onboard survived.
Safety Review and Grounding Under Consideration
“A call will be taken on the basis of a probe into the crash,” a government source said, adding that ongoing consultations between Indian regulators and US agencies are assessing both the aircraft’s performance and Air India’s maintenance protocols.
Air India, which operates 47 Boeing 787s, may face closer scrutiny over its adherence to standard operating procedures concerning aircraft upkeep, the source added.
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The aircraft lost altitude immediately after taking off at around 1:30 pm. A ‘Mayday’ distress call was issued by the pilot, indicating a full emergency. Seconds later, the jet slammed into a multi-storey hostel block before erupting in flames. Five medical students on the ground also died.
Spotlight on the Boeing Dreamliner 787-8’s Safety Record
Until now, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner had boasted a spotless fatality-free record since its commercial debut in 2011. Thursday’s tragedy marks the first fatal crash involving a 787 aircraft, ending more than a decade of operational safety.
The Dreamliner line, introduced as a fuel-efficient, composite-material aircraft, was designed to be 20% more efficient than older models. It includes three variants—787-8, 787-9, and 787-10—with the 787-8 being the smallest and the first to enter service. Air India’s AI171 aircraft was powered by GE Aerospace engines, and the manufacturer has confirmed it will assist with the crash investigation.
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In an official statement, Boeing said, “We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected.”
So far, Boeing has delivered 1,189 Dreamliners out of over 2,500 orders. However, the aircraft maker has recently faced increased scrutiny for safety lapses in other models and production delays, raising global concerns.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that a high-level committee has been set up to investigate the crash.
