(Image source from: REUTERS)
Following the recent incident on the runway and the crash in Ahmedabad, the Air India (AI) board convened an important internal meeting in Mumbai on Wednesday to evaluate operational challenges and strategize for improvement. N Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of Tata Sons, presided over the meeting. Insider sources revealed that the board has embarked on a significant safety reform initiative, including a thorough audit of every aircraft within its fleet. On June 10, an Air India flight arriving from Delhi to Ahmedabad skidded off the taxiway while landing in heavy rain. Although there were no casualties, the event prompted serious concerns regarding adherence to safety regulations. Additionally, on June 12, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London crashed in Ahmedabad after colliding with the mess building at BJ Medical College Civil Hospital and subsequently hitting the Atulyam Hostel, which houses senior resident doctors. Both structures sustained severe damage and resulted in casualties.
The forthcoming fleet audit will align with international safety and security benchmarks, focusing on the technical condition and operational readiness of each aircraft. As initially reported by News18, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instructed Air India to provide a full health assessment of its fleet. Sources suggest that the airline is nearing completion of this report and plans to submit it shortly. In a notable new initiative, the board has established a high-level internal committee tasked with overseeing all facets of Air India's operations. This committee will have the authority to make decisive choices concerning flight paths, schedule frequencies, and other related business issues. An informed insider from Air India commented, "This is more than a superficial change. The committee possesses genuine power to act decisively, prioritizing both operational efficiency and passenger safety."
To support the ongoing inquiry by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the Ahmedabad crash, the board also sanctioned the creation of a coordination task force. This team will ensure that the AAIB has all necessary assistance, providing seamless access to documentation, technical information, and personnel during the investigation process. Currently, Air India has suspended three routes until July 2025 and has reduced flight frequencies on 19 additional routes. These adjustments aim to bolster operational stability across Air India's network and alleviate last-minute disruptions for passengers.
Even with these temporary cutbacks, Air India plans to maintain nearly 600 daily flights using its narrowbody aircraft across 120 domestic and short-haul international routes. As indicated by sources, these measures underscore a determined effort by the Tata Group-owned flag carrier to restore public confidence, implement accountability, and elevate internal safety standards.
