Fact Check: Boeing will defer to India’s AAIB in line with the international aviation protocol known as annex 13.

Fact Check: Boeing Will Defer to India’s AAIB in Line with Annex 13

What We Know

Following the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, Boeing has publicly stated its commitment to cooperate with the investigation led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg expressed condolences and confirmed that the company would defer to the AAIB for updates and information regarding the investigation, in accordance with the international aviation protocol known as Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (Boeing Newsroom) (source-1). This protocol outlines the responsibilities of states in the event of an aircraft accident, emphasizing the need for cooperation among various investigative bodies.

Boeing's commitment to support the investigation was reiterated in multiple statements, highlighting their readiness to assist while respecting the jurisdiction of the AAIB (Financial Express) (source-2). The company is also expected to collaborate with officials from the UK and the US, given the international implications of the crash, including the presence of British citizens on board (MSN) (source-3).

Analysis

The claim that Boeing will defer to India’s AAIB in accordance with Annex 13 is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. Boeing's official statement clearly articulates their intention to comply with international protocols regarding aviation accidents, specifically referencing Annex 13 (Boeing Newsroom) (source-1). This annex is part of the broader framework established by the Chicago Convention, which governs international civil aviation and sets forth guidelines for accident investigations (The Week) (source-6).

The credibility of the sources is high, as they include Boeing's official communications and reputable news outlets reporting on the incident. The statements from Boeing's CEO are consistent across various platforms, reinforcing the reliability of the information provided (The Guardian) (source-4). Furthermore, the involvement of international aviation officials in the investigation underscores the adherence to established protocols, further validating Boeing's commitment to defer to the AAIB (Financial Express) (source-2).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Boeing will defer to India’s AAIB in line with the international aviation protocol known as Annex 13 is accurate. Boeing has explicitly stated its intention to cooperate with the AAIB's investigation, adhering to the established international protocols governing aviation accident investigations. The consistency of statements from Boeing and the corroborating reports from credible news sources support this conclusion.

Sources

1. News Releases | Boeing Newsroom
2. Boeing says it's 'in close contact with Air India' after Dreamliner ...
3. Boeing Under Scrutiny, Defers to Indian Investigation Bureau - MSN
4. Boeing experts and UK and US aviation officials join Air ...
5. Boeing CEO says ready to support Air India crash probe
6. India to ground Air India's Boeing 787 fleet? - The Week
7. Ahmedabad plane tragedy: Boeing CEO offers condolences
8. Boeing CEO says ready to support investigation regarding Boeing 787 ...