A major air accident occurred near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday when Air India flight AI-171 crashed seconds after takeoff.
Ahmedabad: An Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday sent shockwaves across the nation. Air India flight AI-171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff. The accident jeopardized the lives of 254 people, including 12 crew members and several prominent passengers. Reports suggest that Gujarat's former Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani, was also onboard.
This accident has once again highlighted the cost of such aircraft, their maintenance procedures, and the airlines that operate them.
Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner: A Glimpse
The crashed aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. This aircraft is designed for long-haul flights and is favored by major airlines worldwide due to its reliability. It's a double-class aircraft with business and economy sections.
What is the price of this aircraft?
The price of a Boeing Dreamliner varies depending on the variant and customization, but a typical 787-8 Dreamliner costs approximately $248 million (approximately ₹2,070 crore). Many of Air India's Dreamliners have been in service since 2012, and the crashed aircraft is reported to be around 12 years old.
Air India and the Dreamliner Journey
Air India inducted the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner into its fleet in 2012. Since then, it has been a backbone for Air India's international network. Air India currently operates more than 25 Dreamliners, flying to major cities in Europe, America, Australia, and Asia.
This aircraft typically has a seating capacity of 248 passengers, with approximately 18 business class seats and the rest in economy class. Air India has also introduced premium economy on these aircraft.
What happened before the crash?
According to tracking portals like Flightradar24, flight AI-171 took off from Ahmedabad airport at 1:38 PM. Seconds after takeoff, the pilot issued a Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! call to air traffic control, signaling a serious emergency. Contact with the aircraft was lost shortly afterward, and it crashed in a residential area.
How much fuel was on board?
The flight to London typically takes around 10 hours, requiring approximately 12,000 liters of aviation fuel. Additionally, as per international aviation rules, the aircraft would carry an extra two hours' worth of fuel. Since the accident occurred in the initial stages of the flight, the aircraft likely had nearly a full fuel load, potentially exacerbating the severity of the accident.
Which airlines operate this aircraft?
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is a global aircraft. More than 60 airlines operate it, including:
- British Airways, on major routes across Europe and America
- Etihad Airways, Middle East and America/Europe
- Qatar Airways, for Asia, Europe, and America
- Japan Airlines (JAL), from Tokyo to various cities in America
- Airlines such as Air Canada, Air France, Lufthansa, China Southern, and United Airlines.
What are the aircraft's features?
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is specifically designed for comfortable long-haul travel. Its features include:
- Lower cabin pressure at high altitudes, resulting in less passenger fatigue.
- Large window panels with electronic dimming.
- A lightweight body that reduces fuel consumption.
- Advanced engine technology that minimizes noise and vibrations.
Impact of the accident and Tata Group's response
Air India is now owned by the Tata Group. Immediately following the accident, Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed his grief on social media. He stated that they are deeply saddened by the incident and extend their full sympathy to the families of the victims. Air India will provide all possible assistance.
Questions raised about safety standards
This accident comes at a time when Air India is undergoing restructuring and service upgrades following its acquisition by the Tata Group. This crash has raised serious questions about aviation safety in India.
The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) and other investigating agencies are now investigating whether the crash was due to a technical malfunction or human error. Boeing has also stated that it will fully cooperate with the investigation.
Future Changes?
- Stricter technical inspections: The DGCA may conduct additional checks on all Dreamliner aircraft.
- Focus on pilot training: The crash call suggests the pilot followed procedures, but crisis management preparedness will be thoroughly investigated.
- Review of rescue plans: The speed and efficiency of rescue operations following the accident will also be scrutinized.
