Paying lip service: NCP leader on Singapore Airlines condoling Air India crash
Former Civil Aviation Minister and NCP leader Praful Patel on Wednesday lashed out at Singapore Airlines for what he described as "lip service" following the airline's delayed response to the Air India flight AI171 crash, which killed over 270 people.Almost a week after the June 12 tragedy, Singapore Airlines - which owns a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India - issued a statement expressing condolences.
Almost a week after the June 12 tragedy, Singapore Airlines - which owns a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India - issued a statement expressing condolences.
advertisement"The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of everyone affected by the devastating Air India flight AI171 accident," the airline said. "We have been in close contact with our partner Tata Sons and Air India, and continue to offer our full support and all necessary assistance to them during this difficult time."
Patel, however, remained unconvinced, calling out the timing and tone of the statement. "After six days, today Singapore Airlines finally offers condolences to the victims of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash - and says it is 'offering all assistance' to the owners of Air India, Tata Sons," he wrote on X."Why are you paying lip service today so late? And a part owner of 25.1% with board representation and the CEO being your nominee says that owners Tata Sons [are] being offered all assistance???"advertisementThe former minister had earlier slammed the airline for its "deafening silence" in the aftermath of the crash. In a series of posts on social media, he questioned why Singapore Airlines had failed to issue a public statement for nearly six days after the fatal accident.The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Of the 242 people on board, 241 were killed.
The former minister had earlier slammed the airline for its
The crash also claimed 29 lives on the ground, making it one of the deadliest air disasters involving an Indian carrier and the first fatal crash of Boeing's 787 model since its commercial launch in 2011."In all the sorrow and din surrounding the Air India crash, there remains a surprising silence - or perhaps ignorance - about the role of a substantial shareholder, and the entity responsible for maintaining a large number, if not all, of Air India's wide-body aircraft. Guess the name: Singapore Airlines," Patel wrote. "They seem to be in hiding. Let's not forget - they have a say in management and a codeshare agreement with Air India."advertisementHe also pointed out that Air India CEO Campbell Wilson is a nominee of Singapore Airlines and previously served as CEO of SIA's budget arm Scoot. "Why this deafening silence, SQ?" he asked.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India's internal safety board are currently investigating the crash, while a high-level committee under the Union Home Secretary has been set up to submit a report within three months.'NO MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS FOUND IN AIR INDIA BOEING 787 JETS'The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday said it had not found any major safety concerns with Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The systems associated with the aircraft's maintenance were also found to be compliant with existing safety standards, following a recent surveillance.This came after the aviation regulator held a high-level meeting with senior officials from Air India Ltd. and Air India Express, who together operate over 1,000 daily flights across domestic and international routes.As part of the review, DGCA also discussed seven key issues with the airline management, including maintenance-related delays, airspace restrictions, and operational coordination. The regulator reviewed operational data of Air India's wide-body fleet, with specific attention to the Boeing 787 aircraft.Tune InMust Watch
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