Mumbai, June 19 - Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson today said that the 'maintenance' and necessary inspections of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12 were carried out on time. He said that the major inspection of the aircraft was carried out in June 2023 and the next inspection was due in December this year.
In a message to passengers travelling on Air India, Wilson said that the 15 per cent reduction in Air India's international operations for the next few weeks is a temporary measure, which may affect the travel plans of the airline's customers.
The Air India chief said, "The aircraft was inspected on time, its last major inspection was carried out in June 2023 and the next was due in December 2025. Its right engine was overhauled in March 2025, and the left engine was inspected in April 2025. Both the aircraft and the engine were routinely monitored/checked, with no problems found prior to the flight.’’
The airline chief said the deaths of 241 passengers and crew members, along with 34 people on the ground, have ‘left us all deeply saddened.’’ Wilson said, “Words cannot express the pain we feel for the families and loved ones of the victims of this terrible accident.
We are fully committed to doing everything we can to support the families of the victims and are working closely with the authorities to understand the cause of this tragedy. Our thoughts are with the victims.’’
Campbell Wilson said that following the June 12 accident and as per the directives of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the airline is conducting a full safety inspection of its 33 Boeing 787 aircraft. He said that so far, 26 aircraft have completed the inspection and have been cleared for service.
He said that the remaining aircraft are currently undergoing planned maintenance and will undergo additional inspections before being returned to service.