Enhanced Safety Inspections for Air India's Boeing 787 Aircraft Following Crash

Strategic Insights -

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed Air India to conduct enhanced safety inspections on its Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft, following a crash that occurred moments after take-off from the Ahemdabad airport. The directive came after an Air India 787-8 aircraft crashed, resulting in the loss of 241 lives. The inspections are aimed at ensuring the safety of the aircraft, particularly the Genx engines, and have been mandated as a preventive measure. Air India has completed the checks on nine of its 33 Boeing 787 aircraft and is on track to complete the process for the remaining 24 within the timeline provided by the regulator.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DGCA has ordered enhanced safety inspections on Air India's Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft, specifically those equipped with Genx engines, as a preventive measure.
  • The inspections include a one-time pre-departure check of aircraft systems and parameters, including fuel parameters, cabin air compressor, electronic engine control system, and take-off parameters.
  • Flight control inspection will be introduced in transit inspection till further notice, and power assurance checks have also been mandated.
  • Air India has completed the checks on nine out of its 33 Boeing 787 aircraft and is on track to complete the process for the remaining 24 within the timeline provided by the regulator.
  • The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the crash, while the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and a UK AAIB team will also be involved in the probe.
  • Boeing and other major component manufacturers, such as GE, will also cooperate with the investigation.
  • The probe report is expected to be finalized within a year.

Statistics:

  • 242 people were on board the crashed Air India 787-8 aircraft.
  • All but one person on board perished in the crash.
  • The crash resulted in several casualties on the ground.
  • Air India has 26 787-8 aircraft and seven 787-9 planes in its fleet.
  • The enhanced checks include pre-departure checks of aircraft systems and parameters, which may lead to higher turnaround time and potential delays on long-haul routes.
  • The inspections will be carried out on all 33 Boeing 787 aircraft in Air India's fleet.

Sources:

  • The Indian Express, "DGCA orders additional maintenance actions on Air India's Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft"
  • Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)