The Air India tragedy has reignited fears about the safety of Boeing’s aircraft, with a 787 Dreamliner being involved in the crash.
The aircraft manufacturer has been under scrutiny for the last few years regarding safety after manufacturing issues caused the fatal crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 in 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in 2019, which killed 346 passengers and crew. In March 2024, The New York Times reported that Boeing failed nearly three dozen audits during an examination. The same month, The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States Department of Justice had started a criminal investigation into Boeing.
Boeing then “voluntarily” came forward in spring 2024 to warn that it “may not have completed” inspections required to confirm adequate electrical safeguards where the wings join the main body of certain of its 787 Dreamliners, a large jet often used on international flights.
The Federal Aviation Administration said it would look into whether staff had falsified records, that Boeing was re-inspecting all 787 jets on the manufacturing line, and the company would be forced to develop an “action plan” to address concerns about planes already in service.
This came after the emergency door blew off a 737 just after take-off in January 2024. It prompted the grounding of dozens of planes and slowed production with increased regulatory oversight.
Another Boeing 787 Dreamliner has crashed today. An Air India plane crashed moments after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is believed the plane was bound for London Gatwick.
There have been conflicting reports on the number of passengers the plane was carrying; however, police have said at least 242 people were on board.
Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said: “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India flight, AI 171 operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all affected by this devastating event.”
Express.co.uk has contacted Boeing for a comment.
