AI 171 crash fallout: DGCA order enhanced checks for Air India Dreamliners with GE engines
NEW DELHI: Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliners powered by General Electric GEnx engines will now operate under enhanced safety inspections. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued this directive a day after an AI Dreamliner's (VT-ANB) accident crashed in Ahmedabad seconds after taking off for London, killing 241 people onboard and several others in the building on the roof of which it had crashed.
As a 'preventive measure,' the regulator has directed AI to 'carry out additional maintenance actions on B787-8/9 aircrafts equipped with GEnx engines with immediate effect in coordination with the concerned regional DGCA offices.' While B787-8 are Dreamliners of AI, the B787-9 version was in the fleet of Vistara, which merged into AI last Nov.
The additional checks mandated for AI include: 'One time check before departure of flight from India from June 15, 2025, (12 am) onwards.
Inspection of fuel parameter monitoring and associated system checks. Inspection of cabin air compressor and associated systems. Electronic engine control-system test. Engine fuel driven actuator-operational test and oil system check. Serviceability check of hydraulic system.
Review of take-off parameters. 'Flight control inspection' to be introduced in transit inspection till further notice. Power assurance checks to be carried out within two weeks.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting
Luxeartisanship
Buy Now
Undo
Closure of maintenance action based upon the review of repetitive snags during the last 15 days on B787-8/9 aircraft at the earliest.'
AI has to submit report of these checks to the DGCA for review.
Like all initial Dreamliners, VT-ANB had its share of troubles like windshield crack soon after it was inducted in AL fleet in 2014. But Boeing was able to overcome these teething troubles with its mid-range wide body aircraft, with the most serious being overheating of lithium-ion batteries on the Dreamliner.
In Jan 2013, all Dreamliners were briefly grounded globally due to safety concerns related to lithium-ion batteries.
Once the systemic issues were sorted out, VT-ANB — like all aircraft — also had its share of other snags. Most recently, while flying as A! 148 from London to Hyderabad on Nov 17, 2021, it had diverted to Ankara due to fuel leak.
'There are 1,148 Boeing 787 variants in service globally, with an average age of 7.5 years old.
Air India had 34 of the Boeing 787 in service at the time of the incident, including this aircraft. The airline has an additional 20 787 on order and letter of intent for options an additional 24 aircraft. In total, Air India has 190 aircraft, with an average age of 8.4 years old,' according to flight data site Cirium.
In a statement, GE Aerospace said: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Air India Flight AI-171. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those impacted. We have activated our emergency response team, and we are prepared to support our customer and the investigation."
Stay informed with the latest
business
news, updates on
bank holidays
and
public holidays
.
AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
40 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Milagrow Enters Education Sector with AI & Robotics Lab Solutions, Expanding Its Homegrown Service Robot Brand
New Delhi, India — June 14, 2025India's foremost service robotics innovator, Milagrow, has announced its expansion into the AI and Robotics education ecosystem through its dedicated vertical, Milagrow Education. This move aims to bridge the gap between industry-level robotics and academic learning, empowering students with critical future-ready skills. Leveraging over 14 years of deep industry experience, Milagrow is collaborating with IIT Delhi and DTU alumni to deliver world-class robotic education through curriculum development, hands-on training, and AI lab setups across schools and universities. Product Launch: Robo Nano 2.0 & Buildable Robotic Kits A major milestone in this initiative is the launch of Robo Nano 2.0, a humanoid robot designed for education and coding applications. Alongside it, buildable robotic kits—supporting Python, C++, and Arduino—enable students to construct and code over 100 robot models, giving them real-world exposure to automation, machine intelligence, and sensor logic. The AI Summer School held at IILM University, Gurugram, and the Robotics Summer Camp at Shiv Nadar University (Young Thinkers Forum) saw hands-on robotics training, live demos, and collaborative coding workshops using Milagrow's advanced kits. Students explored robotic navigation, machine learning basics, and real-time automation projects. Rated 4.95/5 by participants, the programs left a lasting impression. Prof. Padmakali Banerjee, Vice Chancellor of IILM University, lauded the initiative: 'At IILM, we're shaping future innovators by providing them with experiential, real-world learning opportunities. Milagrow's workshop is a model of what futuristic education looks like.' Prof. Shamik Tiwari, Dean, School of Computer Science and Engineering, added: 'We're proud to bring such meaningful, STEM-forward programs into our ecosystem—this is where innovation truly begins.' Ms. Vinnie Mathur Chair Person Young Thinkers Forum Shiv Nadar University said: YTF is a future-focused program that recognizes the rising importance of AI and robotics education. It equips students with multidisciplinary skills through a holistic approach, preparing them to become tech-driven entrepreneurs and professionals who contribute meaningfully to society and nation-building. Milagrow's programs go beyond technology. The new education vertical integrates entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and life skills coaching, cultivating not only intelligent coders but well-rounded future leaders. The company is also launching certification modules, trainer enablement programs, and vocational labs for scalable education models. Rajeev Karwal (Inspiration & Founder, Milagrow, in spirit):'Robotics is not just a technology—it is a catalyst for imagination, precision, and leadership. Through Milagrow Education, we aim to nurture thinkers, builders, and innovators who will shape tomorrow's intelligent world.' Founded in 2007 by industry veteran Rajeev Karwal now headed by Amit Gupta, Milagrow HumanTech is India's No. 1 Service Robots Brand, known for cutting-edge automation in homes and institutions. From floor cleaning robots (iMap series) to premium portable vacuums and AI-powered education kits, Milagrow is committed to making robotics accessible, intelligent, and impactful. Milagrow, a leading innovator in home robotics, offers a comprehensive range of intelligent cleaning solutions, including robot vacuum cleaners, robot mops, pool cleaning robots, window cleaning robots, and portable vacuum cleaners. Designed with cutting-edge features like LiDAR navigation, wet and dry cleaning, self emptying, HEPA filtration, and smart app and voice control, Milagrow robots deliver powerful, automated performance across all surfaces. Ideal for today's busy households, each product combines efficiency, precision, and ease of use. With a focus on smart living and hygiene, Milagrow continues to redefine home cleaning technology, making everyday maintenance smarter, faster, and more convenient for consumers across India. While maintaining its leadership position in consumer robotics. With its new educational outreach, the company aims to become a cornerstone of 21st-century STEM learning, creating a national talent pool ready to lead in the age of intelligent automation. Name: Corporate Communications TeamPhone: +91 8700496578Email: media@ | Social Media:🔹 LinkedIn: milagrowrobots 🔹 Instagram: @milagrowrobots 🔹 Twitter: @milagrowrobots Note to readers: This article is part of HT's paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. HT assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently. Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
On airworthiness: UN's ICAO rated India above global average, US aviation regulator gave Category 1 status
India was rated well above the global average in terms of its operations and airworthiness by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) when the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was last audited in November 2022, with the overall Effective Implementation score being raised to 85.65 per cent from 69.95 per cent in 2018, indicating an improvement in the country's aviation safety ranking. The Effective Implementation score of the ICAO, an agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating and establishing standards for civil aviation globally, includes various categories such as legislation, organisation, licensing, operations, airworthiness, accident investigation, air navigation services, and aerodromes. As per the last audit, India scored higher than the global average in each of the eight categories that are covered under ICAO's Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP). The assessment of major agencies assumes importance as investigations begin into the crash of Air India's AI-171 on Thursday in Ahmedabad that led to the death of 241 persons aboard the plan in what is the deadliest aviation accident in more than a decade. The accident also led to casualties on the ground as the plane crashed into a medical college building in the vicinity of the Ahmedabad airport. India scored particularly higher than the global average by the ICAO when it came to operations, with the global average at 72.28 per cent and India at 94.02 per cent. This was even higher than the likes of the US (86.51 per cent) and China (90 per cent), as per their 2024 audits. India also scored higher than the US and China in terms of airworthiness: 97.06 per cent versus 89.13 per cent and 94.83 per cent, respectively. To be sure, the agency has different auditing schedules for different countries, and while India's last audit was in 2022, the audits for US and China were conducted in 2024. India is the third-largest domestic aviation market after the US and China, and is also the fastest-growing major aviation market globally. Later, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)—the foremost aviation regulator globally—retained India's International Aviation Safety Assessment category as Category 1. As per the FAA's assessment programme, the DGCA was audited in October 2021 in the areas of aircraft operations, airworthiness, and personnel licensing. 'Based on the positive outcomes of the assessment and follow-ups, the FAA informed DGCA on 12th April 2023 that India meets the international standards for aviation safety oversight of the Chicago Convention & its Annexes and continues to retain FAA IASA Category 1 status which was the last assessed in July 2018. The FAA has appreciated the DGCA stating that DGCA has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the effective safety oversight of India's aviation system,' the Ministry of Civil Aviation had said in April 2023. A Category 1 status with the FAA allows air carriers of that country to operate and expand their services to destinations in the US and codeshare with American air carriers. The probe into the Air India plane crash is being undertaken by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, with the investigation to be done in line with protocols set by the ICAO. Aiding the process will be the US National Transportation Safety Board on account of the aircraft that came down being made by American firm Boeing. The UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch will also have expert status in the safety investigation on account of the British citizens being on board the aircraft. In addition to these national agencies, Boeing and aircraft engine manufacturer GE are also expected to help in the investigation and provide information about the aircraft as required by the ICAO's protocols. Siddharth Upasani is a Deputy Associate Editor with The Indian Express. He reports primarily on data and the economy, looking for trends and changes in the former which paint a picture of the latter. Before The Indian Express, he worked at Moneycontrol and financial newswire Informist (previously called Cogencis). Outside of work, sports, fantasy football, and graphic novels keep him busy. ... Read More
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Google, Scale AI's largest customer, plans split after Meta deal
Alphabet's Google, the largest customer of Scale AI, plans to cut ties with Scale after news broke that rival Meta is taking a 49% stake in the AI data-labeling startup, five sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Google had planned to pay Scale AI about $200 million this year for the human-labeled training data that is crucial for developing technology, including the sophisticated AI models that power Gemini, its ChatGPT competitor, one of the sources said. The search giant already held conversations with several of Scale AI's rivals this week as it seeks to shift away much of that workload, sources added. Scale's loss of significant business comes as Meta takes a big stake in the company, valuing it at $29 billion. Scale was worth $14 billion before the deal. Scale AI intends to keep its business running while its CEO, Alexandr Wang, along with a few employees, move over to Meta. Since its core business is concentrated around a few customers, it could suffer greatly if it loses key customers like Google. In a statement, a Scale AI spokesperson said its business, which spans work with major companies and governments, remains strong, as it is committed to protecting customer data. The company declined to comment on specifics with Google. Scale AI raked in $870 million in revenue in 2024, and Google spent some $150 million on Scale AI's services last year, sources said. Other major tech companies that are customers of Scale's, including Microsoft, are also backing away. Elon Musk's xAI is also looking to exit, one of the sources said. OpenAI decided to pull back from Scale several months ago, according to sources familiar with the matter, though it spends far less money than Google. OpenAI's CFO that the company will continue to work with Scale AI, as one of its many data vendors. Companies that compete with Meta in developing cutting-edge AI models are concerned that doing business with Scale could expose their research priorities and road map to a rival, five sources said. By contracting with Scale AI, customers often share proprietary data as well as prototype products for which Scale's workers are providing data-labeling services. With Meta now taking a 49% stake, AI companies are concerned that one of their chief rivals could gain knowledge about their business strategy and technical blueprints. Google, Microsoft and OpenAI declined to comment. xAI did not respond to a request for comment. RIVALS SEE OPENINGS The bulk of Scale AI's revenue comes from charging generative AI model makers for providing access to a network of human trainers with specialized knowledge - from historians to scientists, some with doctorate degrees. The humans annotate complex datasets that are used to "post-train" AI models, and as AI models have become smarter, the demand for the sophisticated human-provided examples has surged, and one annotation could cost as much as $100. Scale also does data-labeling for enterprises like self-driving car companies and the U.S. government, which are likely to stay, according to the sources. But its biggest money-maker is in partnering with generative AI model makers, the sources said. Google had already sought to diversify its data service providers for more than a year, three of the sources said. But Meta's moves this week have led Google to seek to move off Scale AI on all its key contracts, the sources added. Because of the way data-labeling contracts are structured, that process could happen quickly, two sources said. This will provide an opening for Scale AI's rivals to jump in. "The Meta-Scale deal marks a turning point," said Jonathan Siddharth, CEO of Turing, a Scale AI competitor. "Leading AI labs are realizing neutrality is no longer optional, it's essential." Labelbox, another competitor, will "probably generate hundreds of millions of new revenue" by the end of the year from customers fleeing Scale, its CEO, Manu Sharma, told Reuters. Handshake, a competitor focusing on building a network of PhDs and experts, saw a surge of workload from top AI labs that compete with Meta. "Our demand has tripled overnight after the news," said Garrett Lord, CEO at Handshake. Many AI labs now want to hire in-house data-labelers, which allows their data to remain secure, said Brendan Foody, CEO of Mercor, a startup that in addition to competing directly with Scale AI also builds technology around being able to recruit and vet candidates in an automated way, enabling AI labs to scale up their data labeling operations quickly. Founded in 2016, Scale AI provides vast amounts of labeled data or curated training data, which is crucial for developing sophisticated tools such as OpenAI's ChatGPT. The Meta deal will be a boon for Scale AI's investors including Accel and Index Ventures, as well as its current and former employees. As part of the deal, Scale AI's CEO, Wang, will take a top position leading Meta's AI efforts. Meta is fighting the perception that it may have fallen behind in the AI race after its initial set of Llama 4 large language models released in April fell short of performance expectations.
