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Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Was Air India pilot 'depressed' and did he 'deliberately' crash the plane?
Investigations into the Air India plane crash are looking into the pilots' medical records as it's claimed one of them had depression and struggled with the loss of his mother. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an experienced pilot with more than 8,200 hours in the cockpit, was piloting the Boeing 787 Dreamliner when it plummeted into a residential area, killing 241 people on board and claiming 19 more lives of those on the ground. Seconds after taking off on June 12, two fuel switches in the cockpit of Air India Flight 171 were turned off shortly after take off, resulting in a catastrophic loss of power and the aircraft crashing to the ground. The switches' 'locking feature' meant pilots had to lift them up before changing their position and could not be accidentally turned off. Now, investigations into the tragic crash have begun to analyze the behavior of one of the pilots. Captain Mohan Ranganathan, a leading aviation safety expert in India, has revealed that 'several' Air India pilots had allegedly confirmed that Captain Sabharwal had suffered from poor mental health. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, he claimed: 'He had taken time off from flying in the last three to four years. He had taken medical leave for that. Sabharwal is also understood to have taken bereavement leave after the death of his mother, though it is believed by Ranganathan that he had been 'medically cleared' by Air India prior to the fatal crash last month. In Powai, Mumbai, one of Sabharwal's former colleagues described him as a 'thorough gentlemen' telling the publication that he believed 'he was actually considering early retirement in the next couple of years', with plans to look after his elderly father, aged 90. In his short career, co-pilot Clive Kunder, 28, had logged more than 3,400 hours. The Telegraph said that while Air India declined to comment, an official working with their parent company, Tata Group, told the publication that Sabharwal had not taken any medical leave, with the preliminary report failing to obtain any significant findings. They added that within the last two years, both pilots onboard the flight had passed the Class I medical exam, which makes an evaluation of their psycho-physical capabilities. On Sunday, a preliminary report released by the Indian authorities led to questions about why the pilot would have manually turned the switches off - and whether it was a deliberate act or a catastrophic mistake. The report said: 'In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other: why did he cut off? The other pilot responded that he did not do so.' Pilots will turn the fuel switches on and off at the correct times in every flight, but this time the fuel was cut off straight after takeoff and the landing gear was not raised. The co-pilot was flying the aircraft at the time of takeoff while the captain was monitoring. The report added that the switches were flipped back to 'run' seconds afterwards, which started the process of relighting the engines. One of the engines had relit but had not gained power while the other was in the process of regaining power. At the crash site, both switches were found in the 'run' position. Before the flight, both pilots had an adequate rest period and were found 'fit to operate' following a breathalyzer test, the report said. There were no dangerous goods on the plane and the weight was 'within allowable limits'. Fuel samples taken from the tanks were tested and found to be 'satisfactory' and there was 'no significant bird activity' observed in and around the flight path of the aircraft. But Ranganthan previously suggested it may have been deliberate. Each lever has to be pulled upwards to be unlocked, before it can be flipped and they also have further protective guard brackets to safeguard against any bumps and nudges. Explaining that he believed it 'had to be done manually', Ranganathan told NDTV of the fuel levers: 'The fuel selectors they aren't the sliding type they are always in a slot. They are to pull them out or move them up or down, so the question of them moving inadvertently out of off position doesn't happen. It's a case of deliberate manual selection.' Final moments: After losing altitude, it came into contact with Building A at 293ft at the angle illustrated above Ranganthan later said 'nothing else' would explain why both switches were moved into the off position just after take off, claiming: 'It had to be deliberately done.' When questioned if he was suggesting one of the pilots 'deliberately' switched off the fuel lever, while fully aware of the possibility of a crash, he answered: 'Absolutely', before claiming they were looking at a potential 'pilot-induced crash'. But relatives of some of the victims of the crash have accused the airline and the Indian government of trying to blame the pilots for the crash. Ameen Siddiqui, 28, whose brother-in-law, Akeel Nanabawa, died alongside his wife and their four-year-old daughter told The Telegraph: 'This report is wrong. We don't accept it. It's a cover-up to protect Air India and the government. 'They want to blame dead pilots who can't defend themselves. How can the fuel switches end up turning off at a critical moment, either through pilot error or a mechanical fault? The RAT acts as a backup power source during emergencies and will deploy in cases of complete power failure. The report said two minutes after takeoff, one of the pilots transmitted: 'Mayday, Mayday, Mayday'. In December 2018, the US air regulator Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned airlines that fuel switches had been installed in some Boeing 737s 'with the locking feature disengaged'. The FAA warned in a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin: 'If the locking feature is disengaged, the switch can be moved between the two positions without lifting the switch during transition, and the switch would be exposed to the potential of inadvertent operation. Inadvertent operation of the switch could result in an unintended consequence, such as an in-flight engine shutdown.' It recommended airlines inspect the switches, including 'whether the fuel control switch can be moved between the two positions without lifting up the switch'. The airworthiness concern was not considered an unsafe condition that would warrant a legally enforceable regulation to correct unsafe conditions. Air India has suggested such inspections were not carried out because the FAA's bulletin was 'advisory and not mandatory'. Sole survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh had been in the country on a business trip with his brother Ajaykumar, 35, before they boarded the doomed flight travelling from Ahmedabad to Gatwick. In what has been described as a miracle, Viswash - seated in 11A by the exit - survived, but his sibling who was sat on the other side of the aisle in seat 11J perished in the explosion that followed the crash. Before the discovery of the British survivor, authorities said that they believed no one had escaped the flight alive. An Air India spokesperson previously said: 'Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time. We acknowledge receipt of the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) today, 12 July 2025. 'Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses. 'Given the active nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment on specific details and refer all such enquiries to the AAIB.'
Mint
25-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Liebherr commences production of it's fully integrated appliances outside Europe
Mumbai, June 25, 2025: Liebherr Appliances India, the subsidiary of the globally renowned €14.6 billion Liebherr Group known for its innovation & precision engineering. Liebherr Appliances India today, announced the official launch of its first-ever Made in India Fully Integrated (FI) Fridge, Freezer & Combination. Liebherr Appliances, part of the globally renowned Liebherr Group, is present in over 100 countries, with five major production facilities located in Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Malaysia, and India, serving both residential and commercial markets. Representing the next generation of refrigeration technology of Liebherr seamlessly blends into modern luxury kitchens, combining minimalist design, precision German engineering, and advanced cooling intelligence. This marks the brand's foray into a high-growth segment that caters to the discerning Indian consumer who prioritises both form and function. As one of the world's fastest-growing economies, India continues to be a strategic priority for global consumer goods brands, particularly in the premium segment. Recognising the potential of the Indian market as one of the largest and fastest-growing economies, with rising disposable incomes and an increasing aspiration for enhanced lifestyles. This move underscores the company's long-term commitment to the Indian market and reflects its confidence in the evolving aspirations of Indian consumers. There's immense opportunity in the Built-in Fully Integrated product category with benefits—ranging from innovative space optimisation to customisation for personal taste and needs, all while delivering a premium kitchen aesthetic. This category is poised for exponential growth in India as there is clearly a growing demand for this product category. In Europe this segment is more than 20% of overall market. To commemorate the launch, an exclusive, experience-led event was held at Liebherr Appliances' Mumbai Experience Liebherr appliances: Innovation and quality, Powai bringing together global and India leadership in the presence of key dealers. The event featured immersive product showcases, curated interactions with experts, and luxury hospitality, befitting the sophistication of the product. The highlight of the event was the presence of Ms. Stéfanie Wohlfarth, Vice President of the Administrative Board, Liebherr Appliances, Mr. Steffen NAGEL ; Managing Director Sales and Marketing Appliance Division , Mr. Roman Schaefer, Head of Business Area India – Liebherr Appliances and Mr. Kapil Agarwal, Managing Director – Sales, Liebherr Appliances India. Speaking at the launch, Ms. Stéfanie Wohlfarth, Vice President of the Administrative Board, Liebherr Appliances said, 'We are proud to launch the Fully Integrated (Built-in) product category in India— which is one of the world's most dynamic and rapidly growing markets. At Liebherr Appliances, our global vision is deeply rooted in precision engineering, timeless design, and purposeful innovation. India's growing appetite for premium and high-performance appliances aligns perfectly with our brand values. As we expand our global footprint, India holds strategic importance for us—not only as a market of immense potential but also as a place where we can truly connect with discerning consumers seeking both quality and sophistication in their everyday lives.' Mr Steffen NAGEL, Managing Director Sales and Marketing Appliance Division – Liebherr Appliances, further added, 'Liebherr has been present in India for several years now, and it's been truly encouraging to witness how well the market has adapted to our brand and innovations. The positive response to our innovation, single door and top mount models, reaffirmed the evolving preferences of Indian consumers. Now, we are excited to introduce the very core of Liebherr's excellence—our premium European range. This launch marks a significant step in bringing the best of Liebherr's engineering and design legacy to India, a market that continues to grow in both scale and sophistication.' Liebherr Appliances India is targeting a discerning customer base—individuals who value refined living, design-forward homes, and technological convenience. The brand's fully integrated refrigeration range merges form and function, allowing premium consumers to achieve both aesthetic sophistication and everyday practicality in their kitchens. India is the only country outside Europe where Liebherr manufactures Fully Integrated refrigerators, highlighting the brand's commitment to this fast-growing market. All models have been tropicalised to withstand India's extreme and varied climatic conditions — a vital innovation for optimal performance, cooling consistency, and energy efficiency. With manufacturing based in Sambhajinagar, Liebherr aims to revolutionised the premium built-in segment by offering immediate availability of high-end products — a first in the category earlier dominated by long import lead times. Kapil Agarwal, Managing Director – Sales, Liebherr Appliances India, shared 'We are launching Liebherr Appliances' Fully Integrated range in India with the widest portfolio available in the market. What sets us apart is that our products will be available as ready stock, ensuring immediate access for consumers without the wait for imports. All products confirm new BIS norms, backed by the strongest service and distribution network in the country. With this approach, not only do we make premium kitchen solutions more accessible, but we also ensure that after-sales service is seamless. We're confident that adaptation of this category will be far smoother, as our offerings are tailored to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers.' Tropicalised Liebherr appliances feature enhanced compressors, reinforced insulation, and optimised cooling systems. These modifications not only ensure consistent performance in ambient temperatures but also boost energy efficiency and extend product life. In India, tropicalisation is not a luxury—it's a necessity. The company has engineered every detail to meet these functional demands while maintaining our signature design and quality standards. The launch is backed by a high-impact marketing campaign spanning print, electronic, digital, and influencer platforms, along with immersive retail and design studio activations. The Fully Integrated (FI) refrigerator segment in India represents a fast-growing niche within the premium appliances market, driven by the rise of modular kitchens, luxury housing, and smart-home adoption. Fully integrated refrigerators—designed to blend seamlessly into cabinetry—are gaining traction among affluent urban consumers and high-end developers. Fully Integrated refrigerators category is witnessing double-digit growth, with strong potential in Tier-1 and emerging metro markets as premiumisation and design-led kitchen planning gain momentum. About Liebherr Appliances India Liebherr Appliances India is part of the global Liebherr Group — a diversified industrial conglomerate with a multi-billion-dollar valuation and operations across 13 product segments in over 100 countries. As a global leader in refrigeration and engineering excellence, Liebherr operates five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities worldwide, including its dedicated Indian plant in Sambhaji Nagar. In India, Liebherr Appliances has steadily built a strong position in the premium refrigeration category, particularly in the Direct Cool (DC) and Top Mount (TM) segments. With an expanding portfolio, Liebherr has aligned its offerings with the evolving needs of Indian households, combining European precision with features specifically designed for Indian usage patterns. Building on this momentum, Liebherr Appliances India has significantly expanded its product range. The Top Mount portfolio has grown to 32 SKUs with 10 finishes, introducing innovations like lever-handle effortless door opening and Hot to Cool technology that allows safe storage of freshly cooked food. In the Direct Cool segment, Liebherr has expanded to 69 SKUs across multiple capacities, featuring hands-free opening that enhances multitasking convenience. The launch of its fully integrated European range marks a key milestone in bringing Liebherr's global design and technology leadership to India. Focused on discerning consumers who seek aesthetic refinement, intelligent functionality, and sustainable performance, Liebherr Appliances India continues to elevate everyday living with its premium, engineering-led refrigeration solutions. Note to the Reader: This article is part of Mint's promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Mint assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.
Business Standard
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Liebherr commences production of it's Fully Integrated appliances outside Europe
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 25: Liebherr Appliances India, the subsidiary of the globally renowned EUR14.6 billion Liebherr Group known for its innovation & precision engineering. Liebherr Appliances India today, announced the official launch of its first-ever Made in India Fully Integrated (FI) Fridge, Freezer & Combination. Liebherr Appliances, part of the globally renowned Liebherr Group, is present in over 100 countries, with five major production facilities located in Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Malaysia, and India, serving both residential and commercial markets. Representing the next generation of refrigeration technology of Liebherr seamlessly blends into modern luxury kitchens, combining minimalist design, precision German engineering, and advanced cooling intelligence. This marks the brand's foray into a high-growth segment that caters to the discerning Indian consumer who prioritises both form and function. As one of the world's fastest-growing economies, India continues to be a strategic priority for global consumer goods brands, particularly in the premium segment. Recognising the potential of the Indian market as one of the largest and fastest-growing economies, with rising disposable incomes and an increasing aspiration for enhanced lifestyles. This move underscores the company's long-term commitment to the Indian market and reflects its confidence in the evolving aspirations of Indian consumers. There's immense opportunity in the Built-in Fully Integrated product category with benefits--ranging from innovative space optimisation to customisation for personal taste and needs, all while delivering a premium kitchen aesthetic. This category is poised for exponential growth in India as there is clearly a growing demand for this product category. In Europe this segment is more than 20% of overall market. To commemorate the launch, an exclusive, experience-led event was held at Liebherr Appliances' Mumbai Experience Liebherr appliances: Innovation and quality, Powai bringing together global and India leadership in the presence of key dealers. The event featured immersive product showcases, curated interactions with experts, and luxury hospitality, befitting the sophistication of the product. The highlight of the event was the presence of Ms. Stefanie Wohlfarth, Vice President of the Administrative Board, Liebherr Appliances, Mr. Steffen NAGEL ; Managing Director Sales and Marketing Appliance Division , Mr. Roman Schaefer, Head of Business Area India - Liebherr Appliances and Mr. Kapil Agarwal, Managing Director - Sales, Liebherr Appliances India. Speaking at the launch, Ms. Stefanie Wohlfarth, Vice President of the Administrative Board, Liebherr Appliances said, "We are proud to launch the Fully Integrated (Built-in) product category in India-- which is one of the world's most dynamic and rapidly growing markets. At Liebherr Appliances, our global vision is deeply rooted in precision engineering, timeless design, and purposeful innovation. India's growing appetite for premium and high-performance appliances aligns perfectly with our brand values. As we expand our global footprint, India holds strategic importance for us--not only as a market of immense potential but also as a place where we can truly connect with discerning consumers seeking both quality and sophistication in their everyday lives." Mr Steffen NAGEL, Managing Director Sales and Marketing Appliance Division - Liebherr Appliances, further added, "Liebherr has been present in India for several years now, and it's been truly encouraging to witness how well the market has adapted to our brand and innovations. The positive response to our innovation, single door and top mount models, reaffirmed the evolving preferences of Indian consumers. Now, we are excited to introduce the very core of Liebherr's excellence--our premium European range. This launch marks a significant step in bringing the best of Liebherr's engineering and design legacy to India, a market that continues to grow in both scale and sophistication." Liebherr Appliances India is targeting a discerning customer base--individuals who value refined living, design-forward homes, and technological convenience. The brand's fully integrated refrigeration range merges form and function, allowing premium consumers to achieve both aesthetic sophistication and everyday practicality in their kitchens. India is the only country outside Europe where Liebherr manufactures Fully Integrated refrigerators, highlighting the brand's commitment to this fast-growing market. All models have been tropicalised to withstand India's extreme and varied climatic conditions -- a vital innovation for optimal performance, cooling consistency, and energy efficiency. With manufacturing based in Sambhajinagar, Liebherr aims to revolutionised the premium built-in segment by offering immediate availability of high-end products -- a first in the category earlier dominated by long import lead times. Kapil Agarwal, Managing Director - Sales, Liebherr Appliances India, shared "We are launching Liebherr Appliances' Fully Integrated range in India with the widest portfolio available in the market. What sets us apart is that our products will be available as ready stock, ensuring immediate access for consumers without the wait for imports. All products confirm new BIS norms, backed by the strongest service and distribution network in the country. With this approach, not only do we make premium kitchen solutions more accessible, but we also ensure that after-sales service is seamless. We're confident that adaptation of this category will be far smoother, as our offerings are tailored to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers." Tropicalised Liebherr appliances feature enhanced compressors, reinforced insulation, and optimised cooling systems. These modifications not only ensure consistent performance in ambient temperatures but also boost energy efficiency and extend product life. In India, tropicalisation is not a luxury--it's a necessity. The company has engineered every detail to meet these functional demands while maintaining our signature design and quality standards. The launch is backed by a high-impact marketing campaign spanning print, electronic, digital, and influencer platforms, along with immersive retail and design studio activations. The Fully Integrated (FI) refrigerator segment in India represents a fast-growing niche within the premium appliances market, driven by the rise of modular kitchens, luxury housing, and smart-home adoption. Fully integrated refrigerators--designed to blend seamlessly into cabinetry--are gaining traction among affluent urban consumers and high-end developers. Fully Integrated refrigerators category is witnessing double-digit growth, with strong potential in Tier-1 and emerging metro markets as premiumisation and design-led kitchen planning gain momentum. About Liebherr Appliances India Liebherr Appliances India is part of the global Liebherr Group -- a diversified industrial conglomerate with a multi-billion-dollar valuation and operations across 13 product segments in over 100 countries. As a global leader in refrigeration and engineering excellence, Liebherr operates five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities worldwide, including its dedicated Indian plant in Sambhaji Nagar. In India, Liebherr Appliances has steadily built a strong position in the premium refrigeration category, particularly in the Direct Cool (DC) and Top Mount (TM) segments. With an expanding portfolio, Liebherr has aligned its offerings with the evolving needs of Indian households, combining European precision with features specifically designed for Indian usage patterns. Building on this momentum, Liebherr Appliances India has significantly expanded its product range. The Top Mount portfolio has grown to 32 SKUs with 10 finishes, introducing innovations like lever-handle effortless door opening and Hot to Cool technology that allows safe storage of freshly cooked food. In the Direct Cool segment, Liebherr has expanded to 69 SKUs across multiple capacities, featuring hands-free opening that enhances multitasking convenience. The launch of its fully integrated European range marks a key milestone in bringing Liebherr's global design and technology leadership to India. Focused on discerning consumers who seek aesthetic refinement, intelligent functionality, and sustainable performance, Liebherr Appliances India continues to elevate everyday living with its premium, engineering-led refrigeration solutions.
