Fact Check: Air India's Boeing 787 Fleet Faces Additional Safety Checks Post-Crash
What We Know
Following a tragic crash of Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (Flight AI171) shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, the airline has initiated additional safety checks on its fleet. The crash, which occurred on June 12, 2025, resulted in the loss of 270 lives, prompting a thorough investigation into the incident and the aircraft's maintenance history (BBC, NDTV).
Air India's chairman, N Chandrasekaran, confirmed that one of the engines on the crashed aircraft was newly installed in March 2025, while the other engine was last serviced in 2023 and was not due for maintenance until December 2025. He emphasized that both engines had "clean" histories (BBC). In response to the crash, India's aviation regulator mandated additional maintenance checks on Air India's Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft as a preventive measure (Reuters).
Analysis
The claim that Air India's Boeing 787 fleet is undergoing additional safety checks post-crash is substantiated by statements from both the airline and regulatory authorities. According to Air India's Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, the airline has completed inspections on 26 of its 33 Boeing 787 aircraft, all of which have been cleared for service. However, enhanced pre-flight safety checks will continue, leading to a 15% reduction in the use of wide-body aircraft until mid-July 2025 (NDTV, Fortune India).
The decision for additional checks reflects a cautious approach by Air India in light of the crash, which has raised concerns about the safety of its fleet. The aviation regulator's directive for enhanced inspections indicates a systemic response to ensure passenger safety and confidence in the airline's operations (Reuters).
While the airline has reassured the public about the maintenance history of the crashed aircraft, experts have noted that the condition of an aircraft engine is not solely determined by its age. The Genx-1B engines on the Boeing 787-8 utilize a monitoring system that assesses engine health, which means that maintenance decisions are based on data rather than a fixed schedule (BBC). This complexity adds a layer of scrutiny to the safety checks being implemented.
Conclusion
The claim that Air India's Boeing 787 fleet is undergoing additional safety checks following the recent crash is True. The airline's proactive measures, including enhanced inspections and a reduction in operations, align with the directives from India's aviation regulator and reflect a commitment to ensuring the safety of its passengers and aircraft.
