DGCA orders stricter safety mandate for Air India’s Boeing 787-8/9 fleet | Check details

In the wake of recurring technical issues, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a stringent directive on Friday (June 13) for enhanced safety checks on Air India’s Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft. The new protocol will come into effect from Sunday (June 15) at midnight.

Mandatory pre-departure inspections for every flight

Effective immediately after implementation, each Boeing 787-8/9 operated by Air India must undergo a compulsory safety check before takeoff. 

This includes-

• Fuel Parameter Monitoring and verification of all related systems
• Cabin Air Compressor Inspection, along with its associated subsystems
• Electronic Engine Control System Testing
• Operational Testing of the Engine Fuel-Driven Actuator and Oil System Assessment
• Hydraulic System Servicing and Functionality Check
• Review of Take-Off Performance Parameters

Additional inspections and timelines

1. Flight Control System Check: A new mandatory addition to the transit inspection checklist. This requirement will remain in place until further notice.
2. Power Assurance Check: All Boeing Dreamliners in Air India’s fleet must undergo this test within the next two weeks.

The DGCA's decision follows multiple technical faults reported over the past 15 days across several Dreamliner flights. These repeated incidents have prompted the regulator to enforce immediate and comprehensive maintenance actions to ensure continued airworthiness and passenger safety.

Air India AI-171 Crash: Probe underway

On Thursday, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as flight AI-171 tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London. The aircraft was carrying 242 people—230 passengers and 12 crew members—at the time of the incident. Of those on board, 241 lives were lost, making it one of the deadliest aviation tragedies in recent Indian history.

The lone survivor, identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Black box recovered from crash site

On Friday, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) confirmed the recovery of the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR)—commonly referred to as the black box—from the rooftop of a building at the crash site in Ahmedabad.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) issued a clarification dispelling rumours about a widely circulated video recorder, stating:

“Contrary to some reports, the video recorder being circulated is not the DFDR. The black box was recovered from a rooftop at the crash site. AAIB began work with full force immediately.”

Full-scale investigation launched

The AAIB has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The Ministry confirmed that over 40 personnel from the Gujarat State Government have joined hands with MoCA teams on the ground to assist with the ongoing probe. The black box is expected to offer critical data regarding the aircraft’s final moments—information that could be pivotal in determining the cause of the crash.

Passenger Nationalities and High-Profile Casualties

Airline authorities provided a breakdown of passenger nationalities on board-

• 169 Indian nationals
• 53 British nationals
• 7 Portuguese nationals
• 1 Canadian national

Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, further intensifying national attention on the incident.

PM Modi’s hospital visit

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where he met with the lone survivor and others who had sustained injuries in related rescue operations. He expressed condolences and assured full governmental support for the investigation and relief efforts.

The analysis of the recovered black box is now seen as the key to unlocking the sequence of events that led to this tragic accident.

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