Air India CEO Highlights Enhanced Safety Focus Following Deadly Crash
Air India is prioritizing a heightened focus on safety following the devastating crash of Flight 171 on June 12th, described as the deadliest aviation disaster in a decade. The Boeing Dreamliner, en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, resulting in the deaths of 241 of the 242 people on board, as well as 19 individuals on the ground.
Speaking at the airline Passenger Experience Association’s conference and expo in Long Beach,California,on Tuesday,Air India CEO Campbell Wilson emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting those affected by the tragedy. “This has been an absolutely devastating event for the people involved, for families, for the company, for staff, and our focus over the last two months has been vrey much to support them in every way possible,” he stated.
A preliminary investigation report released in July revealed confusion within the cockpit regarding the fuel cutoff switches. The cockpit voice recording captured a dialog where one pilot questioned the other about activating the fuel cutoff, with the responding pilot denying having done so.
Wilson affirmed ongoing collaboration with regulators on the investigation, stating, “We continue to work with the regulator on the investigation and ensuring that whatever learnings come about from that investigation are put into play.” He noted that the preliminary report has, so far, indicated no issues with the aircraft, engines, or airline operations. However, Air India has implemented a “significant safety pause” to reinforce procedures and promote a “new normal of even extra focus on safety.”
The crash occurred amidst a large-scale modernization effort for Air India, following its privatization by Tata Group three years ago. Wilson, a veteran airline executive previously CEO of Scoot (Singapore Airlines’ low-cost carrier), highlighted the benefits of private ownership, allowing for “more normal private sector practices,” long-term decision-making, and the capital necessary for investment. air India has currently placed orders for 570 new aircraft as part of this revitalization.