Tata Sons Chairman and Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran has firmly denied speculation that Turkish Technic was responsible for maintaining the Air India Dreamliner that crashed in Ahmedabad. He confirmed that none of the 33 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners in Air India’s fleet are serviced by Turkish Technic.
“None of them are maintained by Turkish Technic,” Chandrasekaran stated in an interview with Times Now’s Navika Kumar, countering claims circulating on social media after the tragic incident.
Aircraft Maintenance Partners Clarified
Chandrasekaran explained that the Dreamliner fleet is primarily maintained by Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), with some aircraft serviced by SIA Engineering Company, a Singapore Airlines subsidiary. His comments were aimed at addressing concerns around the airline’s global maintenance arrangements in the aftermath of the crash.
The clarification came after former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel questioned the role of Singapore Airlines, which holds a stake in Air India and supports maintenance of some wide-body aircraft.
Acknowledges Support from Singapore Airlines
Responding to Patel’s comments, Chandrasekaran emphasized that Singapore Airlines has been a supportive partner. He said the airline has contributed significantly to improving Air India’s safety procedures and service quality since the Tata Group took over operations.
“They have helped us in many areas, including implementing best-in-class safety processes. Even now, their CEO is in touch and offering support in every way,” he said.
Public Apology for Ahmedabad Crash
Addressing the tragic crash of the London-bound Boeing 787-8 on June 12 that claimed over 270 lives, Chandrasekaran publicly apologised. The aircraft crashed into a medical college complex in Ahmedabad less than a minute after takeoff, killing passengers and crew members.
“It’s an extremely difficult situation. I have no words to console the families of those who died,” he said. “I deeply regret this happened in a Tata-run airline. All we can do now is support the families, mourn with them, and continue to stand by them now and in the future.”
