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Air India Ltd.

Air India Tragedy: Boeing 787's First Major Crash Since Introduction

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Air India tragedy in Ahmedabad marks the first significant crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011. Although airlines using the Boeing plane have faced engine-related issues, resulting in many grounding planes and reducing flights, its safety record in service has been generally good. However, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has investigated several concerns, including a mid-air dive on a Latam flight last year. Boeing has rejected claims to ground the 787 Dreamliners, stating it has full confidence in the plane.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Air India tragedy is the first major crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011.
  • The plane was being used by Air India, which operates about 30 Dreamliners, and has been using the US-built long-haul plane since 2012.
  • The FAA has investigated several concerns over the years, including a mid-air dive on a Latam flight last year.
  • Boeing has rejected claims to ground the 787 Dreamliners, citing full confidence in the plane.
  • More than 1,100 787s are in service, with most major international airlines using them due to the model's improved fuel efficiency and lower noise.
  • The two major crashes attributed to Boeing planes were using the 737 Max model, in Indonesia and Ethiopia in 2018 and 2019, before being taken out of service for almost a year.
  • Boeing agreed to pay $1.1bn (£812m) to avoid prosecution over the two crashes that killed 346 people.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,100 Boeing 787 Dreamliners are in service worldwide.
  • The 787 Dreamliner has a generally good safety record in service, with the Air India tragedy being its first major crash since introduction.
  • The FAA investigated several concerns, including a mid-air dive on a Latam flight.
  • Boeing has 30 Dreamliners in service with Air India.
  • The 737 Max model was taken out of service for almost a year after two major crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia.
  • Boeing paid $1.1bn (£812m) to avoid prosecution over the two crashes that killed 346 people.

Sources:

  • The Guardian
  • Boeing spokesperson
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • Flight Radar
  • CAPTION(S): Photograph: motive56/Alamy

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