India Mulls Safety Review Of Domestic Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Fleet After Air India Plane Crash: Report

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is reportedly considering a safety review of domestic fleet of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners after an Air India aircraft crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday (12 June), killing 241 out of 242 people on board.

The tragic accident marks the world’s deadliest air disaster in ten years.

The government is mulling over the possibility of grounding all Boeing 787-8s in India as a precautionary measure, while preliminary investigations into safety issues continue, NDTV reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Discussions reportedly ongoing with stakeholders, including Air India, Boeing India, NTSB, and the FAA.

A final decision will be taken after the investigators' assessment of the crash site.

According to the report, authorities are also considering review of aircraft maintenance practices.

Air India operates 34 Dreamliners, the largest Dreamliner fleet in India.

Air India uses its 787-8 fleet on long-haul routes to the UK, North America, and the Middle East. One more Dreamliner is expected to be added to Air India's fleet by year-end.

According to Cirium, Air India has 20 Dreamliners on order and a Letter of Intent for 24 more.

The crash of the 12-year-old Dreamliner is likely to trigger global scrutiny of Boeing 787 safety protocols, amid past safety incidents involving the model.

The NTSB, a US agency will send a team to India to support the crash probe.

Under international rules, India will provide all information on the investigation.

Meanwhile, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is probing the crash. A preliminary report is expected in 30 days, with the final report likely to take several months.