Air India Revamps Safety After Fatal Crash
Following the fatal crash of Flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives, Air India is under intense scrutiny for its safety standards. In response, the airline is implementing a major overhaul of its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) strategy, using the technical expertise of shareholder Singapore Airlines, which holds a 25.1% stake.
Bringing Maintenance In-House
The new approach shifts daily inspections and minor repairs from outsourced operations at AI Engineering Services Ltd. to in-house teams. AIESL, a state-run entity from before Air India’s privatisation, had been handling these functions until now. This change is part of the Tata Group’s wider restructuring efforts since taking control of the airline in 2022.
DGCA Audit Raised Red Flags
A post-crash audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation identified 93 safety-related concerns at Air India, the highest among Indian carriers. By comparison, IndiGo had 23 and SpiceJet recorded 14. Questions over AIESL’s quality control further strengthened the case for change.
Singapore Airlines’ Expanded Role
Singapore Airlines is now directly advising on technical standards and operational processes, marking a shift from its previous position as a junior partner. Its involvement is intended to bring Air India’s practices in line with international aviation benchmarks.
Preparing for Major Fleet Expansion
With 570 new aircraft on order, Air India has stated that the country’s current MRO infrastructure cannot meet its future needs. In-house maintenance under global standards is seen as essential to improving safety, supporting expansion, and restoring passenger confidence.
