Post by : Rameen Ariff

New Delhi: Air India’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Campbell Wilson, told delegates at the Aviation India 2025 summit that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary report into the AI-171 accident did not identify shortcomings in the carrier’s operations, procedures or maintenance practices. Wilson said the July report concluded there was nothing within Air India’s systems that required immediate corrective action.

The AI-171 accident on June 12 involved a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating from Ahmedabad to London and resulted in 241 fatalities with a single survivor. The aircraft experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff when fuel supply to both engines was interrupted. Investigators observed that the fuel control switches were moved into the "cutoff" position in quick succession and, despite being returned to normal about 10 seconds later, both engines flamed out, precipitating the crash.

Wilson noted that even though the AAIB’s preliminary findings did not point to operational failures, the airline is continuing thorough reviews of its safety practices. "Any significant incident, whether affecting us or the wider industry, necessitates careful introspection and reassessment of procedures," he said.

The report did not single out any individual pilot or identify a definitive technical defect; inquiries into human factors, including aviation medicine and psychology, remain part of the continuing investigation. Wilson affirmed that Air India has been cooperating fully with the investigative authorities, while clarifying the airline is not the lead investigative agency.

"This is our first public engagement in India since that tragic day," Wilson added, describing the episode as deeply traumatic for the families, the company and its employees.

The AI-171 accident stands as one of the most serious recent aviation tragedies. Air India reiterated its commitment to ongoing enhancements in training, safety oversight and operational reviews aimed at preventing future incidents.

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