Air India crash: N Chandrasekaran makes important statement; says AI 171 Boeing 787 Dreamliner had ‘new engine’, ‘clean history’ & ‘no red flags’
Tata Sons and Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran has expressed deep sorrow over the Air India AI-171 Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad that claimed over 270 lives. Chandrasekaran has revealed plans to create a dedicated “AI-171 Trust” to support affected families. “It’s not just about financial support, but long-term care. We’re putting together a structure to remain with these families,” he said.In his first public comments since the June 12 tragedy, Chandrasekaran in an interview to a TV channel said, “It is an extremely difficult situation where I have no words to express to console any of the families of those who died. I deeply regret that this accident happened in a Tata-run airline.”In the interview, Chandrasekaran said Tata would “grieve with the families” and promised full support. “We will do everything to support them at this hour and beyond,” he added.Also read: After 12/6, demand for Air India’s 787s crashes
Were the AI 171 Boeing 787-8 engines faulty?
On the cause of the crash, Chandrasekaran said it was too early to speculate. He confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and DGCA had launched formal inquiries and that preliminary findings may take a month. “There are speculations about human error, engines, maintenance… but AI-171 had a clean history,” he said. The right engine had been replaced in March 2025 and the left was last serviced in 2023, due for a check only in December.Chandrasekaran confirmed that there had been no previous safety issues identified. “There were no red flags or maintenance issues,” Chandrasekaran said. “Never been safety concerns raised, Dreamliners have been operating for a long time.” He emphasised that the aircraft had maintained a clean safety record throughout its operational history.Defending the crew, he said that they were “exceptional pilots.” “What I hear from colleagues is that they were excellent pilots and great professionals. So, we can’t jump to any conclusions. I am told by all the experts that the black box and recorders will definitely tell the story. So, we just have to wait for that,” he said.Also read: Black box of 787 Dreamliner to be sent to US for data recovery; ‘recorders sustained heavy damage…’Asked about the absence of Air India representatives at crew funerals, Chandrasekaran dismissed the criticism. “Our COO, CHR and other top officials were present across locations. We will visit every family. It’s not for publicity,” he said.Responding to questions on Boeing 787s maintenance, Chandrasekaran said that none of Air India’s 33 Dreamliners were maintained by Turkish Technic. Most, he said, are serviced by AIESL or SIA Engineering.Regarding the broader Boeing 787 controversy, especially in light of US whistleblower claims, Chandrasekaran said investigations were ongoing in the US, but Air India had seen no red flags.Also read: Air India to reduce international widebody aircraft operations by 15%; Dreamliner safety checks under wayHe also acknowledged the recent spike in flight cancellations and delays. “After June 12, the DGCA mandated checks for all 787s. We’ve completed checks on 24 of 33 aircraft,” he said. Conflict over Iran has also disrupted flight paths. “Flights had to be rerouted, leading to cancellations. Plus, routine technical checks also contribute,” he explained, adding that Air India must improve its passenger communication. “A strategic communications team is now in place.”
