Tata Sons and Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, in his first public remarks since the crash of Air India flight AI 171, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy that claimed over 270 lives. He stated, “I have no words to console the families. I deeply regret that this happened in a Tata-run airline.” He added that Air India is committed to supporting the affected families now and in the long term.
Incident Details
The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad. The aircraft collided with a medical college complex less than a minute after departure.
Probe Underway, Report Expected in 30 Days
Chandrasekaran confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a probe, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also formed a committee. He advised against speculation until findings are released, which are expected within a month.
Clean Aircraft and Engine History
Dismissing rumors about human error or maintenance lapses, Chandrasekaran shared that the crashed aircraft had no history of red flags. The right engine was new, installed in March 2025, and the left engine had last been serviced in 2023, with its next check due in December 2025. “Both engines have a clean record,” he said.
Experienced Pilots Onboard
Chandrasekaran highlighted the professionalism of the crew. Captain Sabharwal had over 11,500 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar had logged more than 3,400 hours. “They were excellent professionals,” he said, adding that conclusions should wait until the black box data is analyzed.
No Involvement of Turkish Technic
Amid social media speculation, Chandrasekaran clarified that none of Air India’s 33 Dreamliners are maintained by Turkish Technic. Most are serviced by AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) or SIA Engineering Company, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines.
Role of Singapore Airlines
Former aviation minister Praful Patel had questioned Singapore Airlines’ silence. Responding to this, Chandrasekaran praised Singapore Airlines as a supportive partner, stating they have contributed significantly to Air India’s safety practices. “Their CEO has remained in constant touch,” he said.
Boeing 787 Safety and US Investigations
Regarding ongoing investigations into the Boeing 787 manufacturing process, Chandrasekaran acknowledged US regulatory scrutiny but noted the aircraft has a strong operational record. “We had 27 Dreamliners even before acquiring Air India. No red flags were found in our checks,” he said.
Flight Disruptions and Communication Issues
Following the crash, Air India has experienced flight cancellations and delays. Chandrasekaran admitted to communication lapses with passengers and said the airline has formed a strategic communications team to address the problem more effectively.
Direct Talks with Boeing and GE
Chandrasekaran confirmed that he has personally contacted top executives at Boeing and General Electric. “I have asked both to review and inform us of any issues related to our aircraft or engines, parallel to DGCA’s checks,” he said.
