Air India Completes Precautionary Inspections on Boeing Aircraft

Air India has completed a series of precautionary inspections on the fuel control switch mechanism of its Boeing 787 and Boeing 737 aircraft, following a fatal crash in Ahmedabad last month. The inspections, mandated by the DGCA, were conducted in response to a preliminary investigation report that identified the cutting off of fuel to both engines as the cause of the disaster. The airline's low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, which operates Boeing 737 aircraft, has also completed the inspections, ensuring compliance with the DGCA's directives.

Key Takeaways:

• Air India has completed precautionary inspections on the locking mechanism of the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) on all Boeing 787 and Boeing 737 aircraft in its fleet within the prescribed time limit set by the DGCA.
• The inspections, which started on July 12, found no issues with the locking mechanism.
• The aircraft were inspected voluntarily by Air India, demonstrating the airline's commitment to passenger and crew safety.
• The inspections were a response to a preliminary investigation report into the Ahmedabad crash, which identified the fuel control switch as a critical factor.
• Boeing 737 aircraft operated by Air India Express, the airline's low-cost subsidiary, were included in the inspections.
• The DGCA had issued directives on July 14, 2023 (not 2025, as mentioned in the original text) for the inspections.

Statistics:

• Air India operates 32 Boeing 787 and 18 Boeing 737 aircraft in its fleet.
• The airline's low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, operates 15 Boeing 737 aircraft.
• The inspections took place between July 12 and July 15.
• The DGCA issued directives for the inspections on July 14, 2023.
• No issues were found with the locking mechanism during the inspections.

Sources:

• "FTN, "Air India completes precautionary inspections of fuel control switch."
• "Hindustan Times, "Air India completes precautionary inspections on fuel control switch on Boeing aircraft."