Dreamliner to disaster: AI171 crash adds to Boeing's tryst with troubles
NEW DELHI: Once a crown jewel of American innovation, Boeing's reputation nosedived after a series of safety failures in recent decades.
Founded over a century ago as the gold standard in aviation, the company now faces unprecedented scrutiny as its aircraft, once synonymous with reliability, have suffered multiple catastrophic failures.
These tragedies have not only shattered public trust but also triggered alarm among global regulators, raising existential questions about the company's commitment to safety.
In the most recent incident, Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers. While its cause is yet to be ascertained and there is no reason to believe it was due to a manufacturing or design fault, the tragedy added to global concerns after multiple safety incidents involving Boeing aircraft.
Boeing's most advanced widebody aircraft is under the lens at a time when the company is still addressing quality control issues across its product line. India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Friday directed Air India to carry out additional maintenance check on the Dreamliners in the aftermath of the crash.
In a letter to Air India, the regulator listed out the checks the airliner will have to carry out on all of its Boeing 787-8/9 fleet, starting Sunday. Air India on Saturday said it has done onetime safety checks on nine of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners and is on track to complete the checks on the remaining 24 such planes.
In all, Air India has 33 Dreamliners. The Tata Group airline shared that some of these checks could lead to higher turnaround times and potential delays on certain long-haul routes, especially those to airports with operating curfews.
Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg said that a Boeing team stands ready to support the investigation led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Boeing stated that they will defer to AAIB to provide information about Air India Flight 171, in adherence with the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization protocol.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Airspace closures, Dreamliner checks trigger delays
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Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Travel industry in turbulence amid worsening West Asia situation
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Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Paris Airshow opens under cloud of India crash, Mideast conflict
* India Air Boeing 787 crash overshadows industry talks * Boeing scales back air show presence amid crash probe * Aircraft orders still expected, led by Airbus * Tariffs, Mideast conflict also cloud industry outlook * Poland set to hand Airbus jet order amid warmer French ties PARIS, - The Paris Airshow opens on Monday with its usual fanfare of aircraft orders expected to be tempered by concerns over India's deadliest air disaster and escalating missile strikes between Israel and Iran that have rattled the global aviation industry. Every two years, Le Bourget Airport in the northeast of Paris is transformed into a showcase for the aerospace and defence industry, its sprawling tarmac lined with fighter jets, commercial airliners and autonomous drones. In the pristine white chalets along the flight line, aerospace executives, government officials and military delegations gather to strike deals and discuss the geopolitical forces shaping the future of aviation. Delegates say they expect this year's event from June 16-20 to be more sombre and several public activities to be scaled back after last week's air disaster, when an Air India Boeing 787 crashed shortly after takeoff, killing over 240 people. Investigators are gathering data on the engine, wing flaps and landing gear, though it is too early to draw conclusions, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters in India. India's aviation regulator has ordered safety checks on the airline's 787 fleet. The industry has also been shaken by missile strikes between Iran and Israel, which erupted on Friday - just a day after the India crash - forcing carriers to cancel or divert thousands of flights in the latest upheaval to travel in the region. Aerospace and defence executives are also grappling with uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump's shifting tariff policies, which many say have been impacting aircraft, engines and parts, disrupting global supply chains, driving up production costs and straining international partnerships. The show's opening coincides with the 10th anniversary of Trump's first run for office in 2015 ahead of his first term. But it is the trade policies of his second term that have caused the industry to defend its previous tariff-free status, as a pause in his "Liberation Day" tariffs nears a July 8 deadline. AIRBUS POLAND WIN EXPECTED Boeing's CEO Kelly Ortberg and Commercial Airplanes boss Stephanie Pope cancelled their trip to Paris and the U.S. planemaker is scaling back its schedule at the event as it focuses on supporting the India crash probe. The planemaker is eager to keep a low-key presence and avoid any jarring publicity, though it was too late to remove Boeing advertising banners dominating the venue. Behind Boeing's chalet at Le Bourget, a gleaming Riyadh Air 787 sits on the tarmac. Boeing is emerging from back-to-back safety, industrial and corporate crises triggered by fatal accidents involving the smaller 737 MAX, which is a separate model to the newer 787. Aircraft deals will still be announced at the show, where European politics are also driving some of the discussions. Sources told Reuters that Poland is expected to announce Airbus as the winner of a landmark deal to sell around 47 A220 jets to state carrier LOT - part of a wider reset of relations between Poland and France, where Airbus has its headquarters. Brazil's Embraer had pushed hard for the deal, the people said. None of the parties agreed to comment. Airbus is also the front-runner against the same planemaker for a potential order for dozens of A220 jets from AirAsia, with Airbus reviving a proposal for a tighter 160-seat cabin layout while separately showing airlines a stretched version featuring existing Pratt & Whitney engines, sources said. Airbus was also expected to kick off the event with two Saudi orders from AviLease and Riyadh Air. Boeing has shelved most announcements including a fleet shake-up by long-time customer Royal Air Maroc, but had already been heading for a quieter week than Airbus after pre-empting the show with big orders during Trump's recent Gulf visit. The air show is also an opportunity for established and emerging defence and space companies to showcase cutting-edge technologies such as AI and autonomy.
