"Dreamliner among safest aircraft," Air India tells PAC following AI 171 tragedy

Air India has defended the safety of its Boeing Dreamliner aircraft in a submission to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), asserting that it is "one of the safest aircraft in operation" globally. The airline's statement comes in the wake of the tragic Air India 171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which resulted in significant loss of life. Air India informed the parliamentary panel that over 1,000 Dreamliners are currently operating worldwide, underscoring the model's widespread use and safety record.

The ill-fated London-bound Air India flight AI 171 crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel building merely seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of 260 people. This figure includes 241 passengers and crew members, as well as 19 individuals on the ground. The airline expressed deep concern over the incident to the PAC, reiterating that it is "awaiting the official inquiry report" to determine the exact cause of the disaster.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has already submitted its preliminary report on the crash to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which is expected to be made public later this week. While the airline has defended the aircraft type, the ongoing investigation will delve into all aspects of the crash, including flight data from the recovered black boxes and potential technical malfunctions.