Tata Sons and Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran on Wednesday expressed sorrow over the fatal crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, which claimed over 270 lives, and appealed for restraint on speculation until official investigations are complete.
Describing the incident as “an extremely difficult situation,” Chandrasekaran said in a televised interview, “I have no words to express to console any of the families of those who died. I deeply regret that this accident happened in a Tata-run airline.”
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London, crashed into the premises of a medical college in Ahmedabad just seconds after take-off on 12 June. The crash killed all 241 people on board, along with several on the ground, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history.
Chandrasekaran extended an apology to the bereaved families. “All we can do is to be with the families at this time, grieve with them and we will do everything to support them at this hour and beyond,” he said.
No prior red flags
He dismissed speculation surrounding the aircraft’s technical condition, stating, “The aircraft had no red flags. The right engine was newly installed in March 2025 and the left engine was serviced in 2023, with the next due in December 2025.”
He further noted, “There are speculation about human error, speculation about airlines, speculation about engines, maintenance, all kinds. But I am told by all the experts that the black box and recorders will definitely tell the story. So, we just have to wait for that.”
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the enquiry, with a central committee appointed by the government to assist. Preliminary findings are expected within a month.
Also read: Manipur mourns death of Air India cabin crew killed in crash
Pilots praised
On the flight crew, Chandrasekaran said, “Both pilots were exceptional. Captain Sabharwal had more than 11,500 hours of flying experience. The first officer Clive (Kundar) had more than 3,400 hours. What I hear from colleagues is that they were excellent pilots and great professionals.”
Responding to queries regarding earlier DGCA notices to Air India, Chandrasekaran clarified, “These are different from safety issues. If there is a safety issue, there is no way the DGCA will allow us to fly.”
On criticism by former civil aviation minister Praful Patel over Singapore Airlines’ silence, he said, “Singapore Airlines has been a great partner... their CEO is in constant touch with me... they have been offering all the help they can.”
Addressing questions about Boeing’s manufacturing processes and a reported Turkish link in Dreamliner maintenance, he stated, “None of them (the 33 Dreamliners) are maintained by Turkish Technic. Most of them are maintained by AIESL (AI Engineering Services Limited) or SIA Engineering Company.”
Customer complaints, Boeing dialogue
Acknowledging delays and flight cancellations following the crash, Chandrasekaran admitted the airline had struggled with communication. “We’ve got to do a better job at communication. We have put a strategic communications team in the last three days,” he said.
He confirmed meetings with Boeing and General Electric. “I did connect with both Boeing and GE at the highest levels... I have asked them to check and tell us if there have been issues with any of the aircraft or engines.”
The chairman’s remarks come amid rising public scrutiny of the airline and heightened global focus on aviation safety following whistleblower reports concerning Boeing’s practices.
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