Not a single aircraft will fly if it's not 100% safe: Air India CEO promises maximum caution after AI171 crash
After the tragic crash of
Air India
flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, which killed 241 people, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, the airline's CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson has spoken out to calm fears.
In an official message shared on Friday, Wilson confirmed that all Air India aircraft, especially Boeing 787s, are safe to fly. 'We have finished extra precautionary checks on our Boeing 787 fleet, and the DGCA has said publicly that our planes meet all required safety standards,' he said. He added that even with clean checks, Air India will continue to do extra pre-flight inspections as a precaution.
Supporting Families and Staff
Wilson said Air India, along with the
Tata Group
, remains deeply committed to helping the families of those who lost their lives, as well as affected staff. 'We continue to mourn the loss of lives and are doing everything to support those affected,' he said. Around 500 workers from Air India and other Tata companies are still in Ahmedabad helping the families.
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He said more than 200 families have received some comfort and closure as efforts continue to identify victims and offer support. 'These families are now Tata families,' he added, promising continued help long after the immediate crisis.
Responding to Employee Concerns
The CEO also addressed comments on social media suggesting that Air India wasn't visible at memorial services for its staff. 'We had senior representatives at every service,' he clarified. 'We've just been careful not to disturb the families during those important moments.'
Live Events
He also said that staff returning from Ahmedabad are being given time off and offered free counselling. 'These services are private and provided by professionals, and I encourage you to use them,' he said.
Questions About Safety and Future
Wilson also responded to common questions raised by staff. While there are many theories about the cause of the crash, he said the airline will not speculate. The
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
(AAIB) is now in charge of finding the facts.
On the question of whether a report will be shared, Wilson explained that only the AAIB can decide when and how to share updates. But if urgent safety issues are found, those will be shared quickly, and Air India will stay transparent.
Wilson confirmed that due to extra safety checks and longer flight paths caused by airspace closures in the Middle East and Pakistan, the airline has cut down on some flights for now. 'We'll resume them gradually when the time is right,' he said.
No Change in Future Plans
Despite the tragedy, Wilson said Air India's future goals remain strong. 'This event is heartbreaking, and we will learn from it. But our vision for safety, service, and professionalism is unchanged, if anything, it's stronger.'
He also confirmed that both shareholders continue to fully support Air India.
As investigations continue, Wilson ended his message by encouraging staff to stay focused. 'Let's do our jobs with full professionalism, care for our passengers, and support each other, especially now.'
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