Ahmedabad tragedy: ‘Aircraft, its engines showed no issues before flight,’ says Air India CEO; ‘Dreamliner was well-maintained’ | India News

NEW DELHI: Air India CEO Campbell Wilson on Thursday said the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed on June 12 was “well maintained,” with its last major inspection conducted in June 2023 and the next one due in December 2025. His comments came as the airline launched enhanced pre-flight safety checks across its Boeing 787 fleet, following the fatal crash of Flight AI171 that killed 241 passengers and crew and 34 people on the ground.“We are undertaking enhanced pre-flight safety checks on Boeing 787 fleet,” Wilson said in a message to passengers, adding that the temporary 15% reduction in Air India’s widebody operations over the coming weeks is a precautionary measure.Providing further details, Wilson said, “The plane was well-maintained, with its last major check in June 2023 and the next scheduled for December 2025. Its right engine was overhauled in March 2025, and the left engine was inspected in April 2025. Both the aircraft and engines were regularly monitored, showing no issues before the flight.”The inspections follow a directive from India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), issued on June 14. As of Thursday, 26 out of 33 Boeing 787 aircraft in Air India’s fleet have undergone the checks and been cleared for service. The remaining aircraft are undergoing scheduled maintenance and will return to operation only after additional safety reviews.“Following the review, the DGCA has confirmed that our Boeing 787 fleet and maintenance processes fully meet safety standards,” Wilson said.Expressing sorrow over the tragedy, Wilson added, “We are reaching out with heavy hearts following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 on June 12, 2025. Words cannot express the pain we feel for the families and loved ones affected by this devastating event.”