Air India's B787 Safety Concerns Raise Alarms
Recent safety concerns surrounding Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliners have raised alarms in India's aviation sector. On October 5, a flight from Amritsar to Birmingham triggered an unexpected safety alert, highlighting ongoing issues with this aircraft model. This incident echoes a tragic crash that occurred in Ahmedabad, which resulted in significant loss of life and raised questions about the safety standards of the B787 fleet.
The Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a safety device designed to generate emergency power, deployed unexpectedly during the Birmingham flight, just moments before landing. Fortunately, the aircraft managed a safe landing, but this incident has reignited fears about the reliability of Air India's fleet. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has voiced concerns, urging the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to conduct a comprehensive review of the electrical systems of all B787 aircraft operating in India.
Despite the urgency of the situation, the DGCA has responded with limited action. Following the Ahmedabad crash, which claimed 241 lives, the FIP has continuously advocated for a thorough inspection of the B787's electrical systems. However, the DGCA's focus has been primarily on fuel control switches, leaving many critical areas unchecked. This approach has puzzled aviation experts, who argue that the ongoing technical problems indicate a deeper systemic issue that requires immediate attention.
The DGCA's response has been notably different from its past actions. In several previous incidents involving fatal crashes, the regulator promptly grounded aircraft types to prioritize safety. For instance, after two fatal crashes involving the Boeing 737 Max, the DGCA was among the first to ground the fleet in India until significant technical changes were made. In light of this history, the current leniency regarding the B787 fleet raises serious concerns.
Legal action has been initiated, with two petitions filed in the Supreme Court calling for an independent inquiry into the Ahmedabad crash. These petitions argue that the investigation lacks impartiality, as members from the DGCA were involved in the review process. Furthermore, crucial technical data has reportedly been withheld, hampering independent analysis and raising suspicions about the investigation's integrity.
As the Indian aviation market continues to grow, it is imperative that the DGCA aligns its actions with its stated commitment to safety. The call for a comprehensive review of the B787 fleet is not just about addressing current concerns but about ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of air travel in one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.
