July 24, 2025

Air India has confirmed the completion of inspections on its fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and AI Express Boeing 737s, stating that no faults were detected in the fuel control switch (FCS) locking mechanisms. This safety measure follows a directive from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued after the crash of flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad on June 12. The incident involved a London-bound Dreamliner experiencing power loss in both engines shortly after take-off. Preliminary investigations revealed that the fuel supply was disrupted when the FCS switches for engines 1 and 2 shifted from 'run' to 'cut-off' sequentially with a one-second interval. The exact cause of this transition remains unknown as investigators continue their analysis. Air India's proactive approach to conducting these precautionary inspections aligns with its dedication to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members. The airline has shared the inspection results with the DGCA, addressing concerns raised by the regulatory authority. The US Federal Aviation Administration had previously highlighted the potential risk of FCS locking mechanism disengagement in certain Boeing aircraft through a special airworthiness information bulletin issued in December 2018. Despite the advisory nature of the bulletin, Air India had not taken action in response to it earlier. By complying with DGCA's directive and conducting thorough inspections, Air India has taken proactive steps to enhance safety measures within its fleet.

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Tags: Air india, Boeing 787, Boeing 737, Dgca, Air safety,