Air India Crash: N Chandrasekaran issues important statement (Photo credits: AP, ANI)
Air India Airplane crash: Tata's son and Air India Chairman N Chandra Sekaran expressed deep sadness over the Air India AI-171 Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed more than 270 lives. Chandrasekaran has revealed plans to create a dedicated “AI-171 Trust” to support affected families. “It's not just financial support, it's long-term care. We're putting together the structure to stay in these families,” he said.In his first public comment since the tragedy of June 12th, Chandra Sekaran said in an interview with the TV channel: I deeply regret that this accident happened with Tataran Airlines. ”In an interview, Chandrasekaran said Tata was “grief with his family” and promised full support. “We'll do everything to support you from this time onwards,” he added.Also Read: After 12/6, demand for Air India's 787S crashes
Was the AI 171 Boeing 787-8 engine wrong?
As to what caused the crash, Chandrasekaran said it was too early to speculate. He confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and the DGCA have launched a formal inquiry and that the preliminary investigation results could take a month. “There are speculations about human error, engine and maintenance, but the AI-171 had a beautiful history,” he said. The engine on the right was replaced in March 2025, while the left was last served in 2023, with only a December check scheduled.Chandrasekaran confirmed that no previous safety issues had been identified. “There were no red flags or maintenance issues,” Chandrasekaran said. “While no safety concerns have been raised, Dreamliners have been running for a long time.” He emphasized that the aircraft maintained a clean safety record throughout its operational history.In defending the crew, he said they were “exceptional pilots.” “What I heard from my colleagues is that they were great pilots and great experts. So you can't jump to the conclusion. Every expert says that the black box and recorder will definitely tell the story.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will decide where to decipher black box data for the crashed 787-8 Dreamliner.Also Read: 787 Dreamliner Black Box sent to us for data recovery. “The recorder took a lot of damage…”When asked about the lack of Air India representatives at Crew Funerals, Chandrasekaran dismissed the criticism. “Our COO, CH and other senior officials were present at the location. We visit all the families. It's not for publicity,” he said.Responding to questions about the maintenance of the Boeing 787, Chandra Sekaran said none of Air India's 33 Dreamliners were maintained by Turkish techniques. He said he is mostly provided by AIESL or SIA Engineering.Chandra Sekaran said an investigation was underway in the US, particularly in light of the claims of US whistleblowers. However, Air India did not see the red flag, regarding the wider Boeing 787 controversy.Also Read: Air India reduces the operation of international widebody aircraft by 15%. Dreamliner safety checks are underwayHe also admitted a recent spike in flight cancellations and delays. “From June 12th, the DGCA has mandated all 787 checks. We have completed checks for 24 of the 33 aircraft,” he said. The conflict over Iran is also disrupting flight routes. “We had to re-rout the flights, which led to cancellations. Additionally, daily technical checks are also contributing,” he explained, adding that Air India must improve passenger communication. “A strategic communications team is currently being implemented.”
