Air India's London-bound flight crashes: All about the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
A major aviation tragedy struck Ahmedabad on Thursday when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI171 to London's Gatwick Airport, crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport shortly after takeoff.The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, for a total of 242 people on board.Dramatic visuals from the scene showed the wreckage engulfed in flames and thick black smoke billowing near the runway, as emergency teams rushed to the site to conduct rescue operations. advertisementThe Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is a state-of-the-art, long-haul, wide-body aircraft designed for efficiency, comfort, and environmental performance. Introduced in 2011, the 787-8 is the first model in Boeing's Dreamliner series and is widely used by airlines globally for intercontinental flights.Capacity: Typically seats between 242 and 290 passengers, depending on airline configuration, making it suitable for both high-traffic and long-distance routes.Range: Can fly up to 13,530 kilometers non-stop, allowing direct connections between distant cities.
The flight path as shown on Flight Radar. (Photo: Flight Radar)
Construction: Built with advanced composite materials, which make up about 50% of the primary structure, resulting in a lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft.advertisementTechnology: Equipped with the latest avionics, fly-by-wire controls, and advanced safety systems.The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is equipped with advanced navigation and safety systems that enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency. The Synthetic Vision System (SVS) provides a 3D view of terrain and potential obstacles, improving pilot decision-making, especially in low-visibility conditions. The aircraft features Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA), a centralised system that streamlines maintenance and optimises performance by integrating multiple avionics functions into fewer components.The crash occurred just after takeoff, with the cause still under investigation by Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).Rescue and fire teams responded swiftly, and the central government has pledged full support for ongoing operations. As of now, the extent of casualties and the precise cause of the accident remain unconfirmed.Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, and took stock of the Air India flight crash incident in Ahmedabad.The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, known for its reliability and advanced safety features, has a strong operational record, making Thursday's crash a rare and deeply concerning event for India's aviation sector.(Passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444)Trending Reel
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Time of India
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Time of India
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Economic Times
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