Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson reassured the public and employees on Friday that the airline’s fleet, especially its Boeing 787 aircraft, is safe to operate after thorough checks. This assurance comes amid heightened caution following the AI171 tragedy, with the carrier prioritising safety above all.
In an official communication, Campbell said, “We have also, as a matter of abundant precaution, voluntarily decided to continue additional pre-flight checks for the time being. Where there is any doubt, we will not release aircraft of any type for service,” said the CEO.
Air India CEO assured the public and employees that the airline, backed by the Tata Group, will provide unwavering support and transparency following the AI171 incident.
“We continue to mourn for the lives lost in the AI171 tragedy, and to support those who have been affected. Around 500 colleagues from Air India and 17 other Tata companies remain in Ahmedabad to help the families of passengers, crew, and those on the ground. Progress is being made, together with the authorities, on reconciling families with their loved ones, and as of this morning, more than 200 have received some degree of solace and closure,” he said.
He pledged that the airline will stand by the families of victims and affected staff, offering long-term assistance beyond the immediate crisis.
“We will continue supporting those affected long after the work in Ahmedabad is done, as our Chairman has said, these families are now Tata families,” CEO Campbell added.”
The CEO stated that Air India is providing comprehensive support to its staff, including those who served in Ahmedabad after the incident. He encouraged employees to utilize the confidential counseling services, provided by professionals, which remain available to everyone on an ongoing basis.
Responding to queries posed to him, the Air India CEO said, “Over the last week, I have met many of you in small groups. Many of you have asked similar questions.”Replying to the same, he said, “What happened? There are many theories, but as the accident is now under official investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, it is not appropriate for us to comment or speculate.
We are providing all the information requested by the AAIB and are cooperating completely. It is vital that the facts, whatever they may be, are known so that we and the industry at large can learn from them.
“Replying to whether a report would be available, he said, “This is completely up to the AAIB. The final report can take many months, though the AAIB may choose to issue interim updates or reports. If there is any discovery during the investigation that suggests airlines or suppliers need to change something urgently, we have confidence that such information would be shared quickly. For our part, we will be transparent with what is shared with us.”
“Replying to whether Air India aircraft have been deemed safe?, he said, “Yes. We have completed the additional precautionary checks on our operating Boeing 787 fleet as requested by the DGCA, which has publicly declared that they meet required standards.
We have also, as a matter of abundant precaution, voluntarily decided to continue additional pre-flight checks for the time being. Where there is any doubt, we will not release aircraft of any type for service.
“Replying to the reduction in some flights?, Campbell said, “The additional pre-flight checks we are doing reduces the number of hours aircraft are available to operate, which – also considering the extra flight time arising from new airspace closures in the Middle East, on top of the Pakistan closure – is why we have decided to reduce the amount of flying over the coming weeks.
We will progressively restore when the time is right.”Replying to the impact on Air India’s plans?, he said, “This has been a tragic event and we will learn whatever we can from it so that we are stronger in the future. However, our aim in every respect, be it safety, quality, service, scale, reach, professionalism, or any other dimension, remains the same if not higher than before.
On June 12, a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a hostel complex of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat’s Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The tragedy claimed 241 lives out of 242 onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Inputs from ANI
