Air India Confirms Engine Status After Recent Plane Crash

In a recent statement, Air India's chairman, N Chandrasekaran, explained that one engine on the ill-fated flight was recently installed and the other was still in good condition, while investigations into the crash continue.

An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner recently crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of at least 270 individuals, predominantly passengers. In a bid to clarify concerns regarding the aircraft's mechanical integrity, chairman N Chandrasekaran disclosed that one of the engines was new, installed only a few months ago in March 2025, and the second engine was last serviced in 2023 with maintenance due in December 2025.

Chandrasekaran emphasized the engines had "clean" histories and urged the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions as the investigation progresses. He stated, "I am told by all the experts that the black box and recorders will definitely tell the story. So, we just have to wait for that."

To address safety concerns, Air India has implemented a 15% reduction in its international operations concerning wide-body aircraft until mid-July as part of an effort to enhance safety checks and ensure the well-being of both crew and passengers amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

Researching the crash signals an intense inquiry into the specifics of the Boeing 787-8's operation. Aviation specialist Kishore Chinta remarked that an engine's health cannot be solely inferred from its age, particularly concerning the GE Aerospace Genx-1B engines powering the Boeing 787-8. The engines utilize the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) monitoring system, which governs maintenance schedules based on real-time data and thorough inspections. However, certain components still have specified lifespans, with Life Limited Parts (LLPs) typically requiring checks between 15,000 and 20,000 cycles.

Air India has reported that out of its 33 Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft, 26 have already completed inspections and are cleared for continued service. The remaining aircraft will undergo examination in the following days. The company also noted that additional inspections for its Boeing 777 fleet will be prioritized as part of the safety initiative mandated by India's aviation regulator.

While Air India grapples with this tragic incident, industry experts suggest the fallout may impede its ambitious bid to transform from being a troubled state-run airline to a competitive privately-owned entity after its acquisition by Tata Sons in 2022. The collision of this tragedy with ongoing challenges will surely test the resilience and adaptability of the airline as it attempts to navigate a substantial recovery and restore public trust.