Air India crash: safety focus at all-time high as competition takes backseat
The stakes are high for Boeing and India as both sides seek to address safety perceptions following the 787 Dreamliner’s crash in Ahmedabad
The disaster in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad last Thursday, which killed at least 290 people, will further erode confidence in Boeing as it continues to face pressure over safety lapses, according to aviation experts.
“The cause of the AI 171 crash is still unknown, and unless the cause is known, it is too premature to pinpoint the need for change of a certain entity,” said Shantanu Gangakhedkar, senior consultant for aerospace and defence at consultancy Frost & Sullivan.
“Nevertheless, after any such incidents, the industry becomes more cautious and airlines and regulators take more precautions to increase safety checks.”
There has been a spate of incidents and flight cancellations involving Dreamliner aircraft after the crash in Ahmedabad.
On Monday, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner bounded for New Delhi was forced to return to Hong Kong shortly after take-off following a standby request, typically made when a mechanical issue is suspected.