Air India CEO Addresses AI171 Crash: Interim Report Finds No Aircraft Fault
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson publicly addressed the June 2025 crash of flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8, which killed 260 people and is the world's deadliest aviation disaster in a decade. An interim report by India’s AAIB found no fault with the aircraft or engines, with the crash linked to both engines losing thrust after their fuel switches moved to CUTOFF shortly after takeoff. Wilson urged caution against premature conclusions and reiterated Air India's commitment to supporting victims and improving safety.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, speaking at the Aviation India and South Asia Summit & Exhibition, commented publicly for the first time on the catastrophic June 12, 2025 crash of flight AI171, which occurred moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick, crashed after both engine fuel control switches were moved to CUTOFF, causing a total loss of thrust. This led to the death of all 12 crew, 229 of 230 passengers, and 19 people on the ground, marking the first hull loss and deadliest accident involving a Boeing 787 since its 2011 debut. Wilson described the event as ‘devastating’ and emphasized the airline’s ongoing support for affected families. According to the interim report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), there was no fault found with the aircraft or its engines, and no issues were identified with Air India’s operational practices. Cockpit voice recordings indicate confusion among the flight crew regarding the fuel switch movement. The investigation remains open, with authorities cautioning against premature conclusions. Despite recent safety audit findings at Air India, the CEO reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to learning from the incident and improving safety standards.
