We can't afford to be casual about protocols: Why AI 171 must be a turning point in India's aviation journey

Economic Times

18-06-2025

Agencies Representational Dubai: Flying is one of the safest ways to travel. But from time to time, tragedies remind us that this safety can't be taken for granted. When we talk of crashes in the last five years, some have specially made us pause and rethink things.One of them was the tragic downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 in 2020, when a Boeing 737-800 was mistakenly shot down shortly after take-off from Tehran, killing all 176 people on board. In 2022, a China Eastern Airlines Boeing crashed in the Guangxi region, killing all 132 on board. Towards end of 2024, Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea, claiming 179 lives.
Earlier this year, more than 60 people were killed when an American Airlines Flight 5342 Bombardier collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the Potomac near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. And now comes the tragedy of AI 171. So, what are the lessons these incidents offer? Above all, we can't afford to be casual about protocols. A key issue is that procedures are documented, but not always followed. Planes are built to be robust. But this very reliability sometimes leads technicians and crew to skip routine checks, assuming everything is in order. After a tragedy, the system usually swings into action. But, over time, the urgency fades and a relaxed attitude creeps back in. This needs to be addressed.
Following the Ahmedabad crash, DGCA stepped in with interim measures, instructing Air India to conduct maintenance checks specifically on Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft fitted with GEnx engines. These actions are being coordinated with regional DGCA offices. But, going forward, regulatory bodies and airline managements must make spot checks an SOP to ensure simple routines are fully adhered. Routine inspections include fuel system diagnostics, electronic engine control systems, actuator function tests, oil and hydraulic system reviews, and a proper examination of take-off parameters. Introducing a structured 'flight control inspection' process at times could fix procedures and remove laxity.One clear path of responding to these challenges more effectively is through technology. With AI-powered tools, flight safety can be approached more proactively. For instance, AI can assist air traffic controllers with real-time data, helping them make quicker and better-informed decisions. It can also support predictive maintenance by analysing live data from aircraft sensors to flag potential faults before they become serious.
AI-powered flight simulators can create dynamic, adaptive training scenarios for pilots, moving beyond the limitations of traditional drills. Even risk assessment processes are evolving. AI can now process vast sets of data, including weather patterns, pilot behaviour and historical crash information, to suggest safer and more efficient flight paths.
AI 171 is the deadliest air disaster in India since the mid-air collision over Charkhi-Dadri in Haryana in 1996, which claimed 349 lives. A week after the AI 171 crash, there are more questions than answers. How could a Dreamliner, considered one of the safest aircraft models with no history of fatal crashes until now, go down moments after take-off? Were there warning signs that went unnoticed? At this point, we don't have those answers. We will have to wait for the official investigation to shed light on what really happened. What makes this even more concerning is the backdrop against which it unfolded. India's civil aviation sector is expanding rapidly, with more people choosing to fly than ever before. GoI has already outlined its vision of turning the country into a major aviation hub, one that can stand alongside global giants.While meeting rising demand and improving passenger experience are part of that plan, there's another layer that can't be ignored: trust. A tragedy like AI 171 shouldn't derail the momentum. But it highlights the need for stricter checks and complete transparency. Whoever is accountable must be held responsible. More importantly, steps must be taken to ensure such horror doesn't happen again.The writer is group chairman, Sky One (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Small finance banks struggle with perception. Will numbers turn the tide?
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