Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has issued a detailed clarification amid growing safety concerns following the recent crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The ill-fated London Gatwick-bound flight went down just 36 seconds after departure on June 12, prompting scrutiny of Air India’s fleet — particularly its 33 Dreamliners, now reduced to 32.
In an email to Maharaja Club members — the airline’s elite loyalty programme — Wilson emphasized that the aircraft involved had been well-maintained. The last major inspection was completed in June 2023, with the next scheduled for December 2025. Notably, the aircraft’s right engine had undergone a full overhaul as recently as March 2025, while the left engine was inspected in April.
“There were no reported issues with the aircraft or engines before the flight,” Wilson stated, assuring passengers of the airline’s maintenance standards. He also highlighted the experience of the crew — Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder — who had accumulated over 13,400 flying hours combined.
While an official cause of the crash has not yet been confirmed, investigators are reportedly considering the possibility of a rare dual engine failure or a complete hydraulic or electronic malfunction. This theory is supported by audio and visual evidence suggesting deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a device typically activated during major in-flight emergencies.
Air India has reaffirmed its cooperation with authorities and reiterated its commitment to the highest safety standards across its 128-strong fleet.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)