(Image source from: Etvbharat.com)
Sources reported on Friday that the Union government is contemplating the grounding of the Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 fleet, following the crash of one of the aircraft operated by Air India moments after its departure from Ahmedabad airport. The grounding will likely occur for a safety assessment of the American wide-body jet, with discussions between Indian and U.S. agencies already in progress on this matter. One source mentioned, "A decision will depend on the investigation into the incident." Additionally, Air India may undergo examination regarding its standard operating procedures related to aircraft maintenance.
On Thursday, an Air India flight, AI 171, which is part of the Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 fleet, crashed just moments after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, en route to London. Out of the 242 individuals aboard, only one person survived the accident.
Officials stated that the aircraft experienced a loss of altitude shortly after its departure at approximately 1:30 PM. It crashed into the residential area for doctors affiliated with BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar, igniting a fire that released thick, black smoke into the sky. The pilot reported a 'Mayday' emergency alert shortly after takeoff, as noted by the Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control. Industry experts suggested that potential factors for the crash could include insufficient thrust in both engines and a possible bird strike, based on available visuals. Images from the crash site depicted bodies being retrieved and injured individuals, many suffering from burns, being transported to a nearby civil hospital.
In response to the incident, Boeing stated, "We are in touch with Air India regarding Flight 171 and are prepared to provide support. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders, and those impacted."
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an aircraft designed for long-haul, wide-body travel, commonly utilized by airlines for international flights. This model represented a significant advancement in aircraft design, achieving a 20% increase in fuel efficiency through the use of robust, lightweight composite materials and enhanced electrical systems, as reported by Reuters. The aircraft made its first commercial flight on October 26, 2011, when an All Nippon Airways plane journeyed from Tokyo Narita to Hong Kong. According to Boeing's website, "In under 14 years, the 787 Dreamliner has carried over 1 billion passengers, a milestone achieved faster than any other widebody in aviation history." Since its debut in 2011, the Dreamliner boasted a remarkable safety record without any fatalities prior to Thursday's incident. The Boeing 787 lineup includes three variations, with the 787-8 being the smallest and the first model introduced.
The 787-8 has a passenger capacity of 248, while the longer-range 787-9 can hold 296 passengers. The largest model, the 787-10, which has the smallest range, accommodates up to 336 flyers, according to the Reuters report.
Since the launch of the 787 model, Boeing has secured sales of over 2,500 units, with Air India purchasing 47 of them. To date, the company has delivered 1,189 aircraft, although it faces production delays and has encountered criticism related to safety concerns with its other aircraft. The 787, featuring twin engines, offers buyers a choice between engines made by GE Aerospace or Rolls-Royce. The aircraft involved in the crash on Thursday was equipped with engines provided by GE, which has pledged its assistance in the investigation. On Thursday, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu announced that the Centre has established a high-level committee to investigate the incident.
