In a major update regarding the June 12 crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has responded to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary findings, confirming that the aircraft had no mechanical or maintenance issues. The report has brought a sense of clarity in an incident that had raised widespread safety concerns about India’s national carrier and its Boeing 787 operations.

According to the preliminary AAIB report, no faults were found in the aircraft’s structure, engines, or maintenance logs. The crew involved had passed all mandatory breathalyser and medical tests, and there were no indications of fuel contamination or take-off abnormalities.

“The AAIB’s initial report identified no cause nor made any recommendations. We urge everyone to avoid drawing premature conclusions,” said Campbell Wilson.

As a proactive measure, Air India immediately conducted a comprehensive inspection of every Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet, under the oversight of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). All aircraft were found fit for service, and no further mechanical issues were reported.

Flight AI171 Incident Recap

On June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was involved in an incident at Ahmedabad Airport shortly after take-off. While detailed information remains under investigation, passengers and airport authorities reported signs of potential mid-air distress, prompting an emergency landing protocol.

With rising anxiety among travelers and scrutiny from regulators, immediate steps were taken to ensure fleet-wide safety, and the AAIB launched a formal investigation.

AAIB Preliminary Findings: No Mechanical Faults

Key points from the AAIB’s early investigation include:

• No mechanical defects in the aircraft or its GE GEnx-1B engines

• No evidence of fuel quality issues

• No abnormalities during the take-off roll

• All mandatory maintenance checks were up to date

• Both pilots were medically cleared and passed breathalyser tests

There were also no indications of external interference, such as bird strikes or weather-related complications. These findings significantly reduce the likelihood of technical failure as the root cause.

CEO Campbell Wilson’s Assurance

In his statement, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson emphasized that the airline had immediately acted with caution:

“Out of an abundance of caution, and under the oversight of the DGCA, every Boeing 787 operating in our fleet was checked within days of the accident and all were found fit for service.”

He reiterated Air India’s compliance with global aviation norms, and pledged continued cooperation with investigators as the final report is compiled.

DGCA and Boeing 787 Checks

Following the incident, the DGCA supervised thorough inspections across all Air India Dreamliners, which form a critical part of the airline’s international fleet. The checks included:

• Full diagnostics of avionics and control systems

• Engine integrity verification for the GE GEnx units

• Cross-checking aircraft logbooks, technical records, and recent maintenance activity

• Ensuring all crew certifications and health standards were intact

So far, neither the DGCA nor the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued any directive to ground or limit operations of the Boeing 787 within India.

Why the Final Report Matters

While the preliminary findings have ruled out immediate technical causes, Wilson cautioned that final conclusions cannot be drawn yet.

“The final report will analyze black box data, cockpit voice recordings, air traffic communication, and sensor readings. We must wait for those results.”

This process typically takes several months and involves collaboration with international safety agencies, aircraft manufacturers, and engine suppliers.

Public Confidence and Operational Impact

Despite the incident, Air India’s operations remain stable, with no cancellations or diversions reported across its Dreamliner routes. The airline has taken the following steps to bolster passenger confidence:

• Doubling routine inspection frequency

• Providing transparent communication through public updates

• Reviewing and updating in-flight emergency response protocols

• Conducting additional crew readiness simulations

Passengers, frequent flyers, and the broader aviation community are urged to avoid speculation until the final report is made available.

Conclusion

The AAIB’s preliminary report on Air India flight AI171’s crash has brought a measure of relief to the public and the aviation industry by confirming no mechanical or maintenance failures. CEO Campbell Wilson’s reassurance, combined with proactive safety measures and DGCA oversight, underscores the airline’s commitment to transparency and safety.

As investigations continue, Air India has emerged with its reputation intact and its fleet secure, showing resilience and responsiveness in the face of adversity. The airline’s actions reflect an industry-wide push for enhanced safety, quick response, and comprehensive communication.

The final word awaits the AAIB’s complete investigation, but for now, passengers and regulators alike can find assurance in the preliminary findings that point away from systemic fault and instead suggest a more complex and nuanced root cause.

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