Image Source: Mathrubhumi English
In a decisive move to restore operational integrity and passenger confidence, Air India has partnered with Singapore Airlines to bolster its fleet maintenance and safety protocols following the catastrophic crash of Flight AI171 on June 12. The crash, which claimed 260 lives including 19 on the ground, has triggered sweeping changes across the Indian aviation landscape, with Air India at the center of regulatory and public scrutiny.
Singapore Airlines, now a 25.1% stakeholder in Air India post the Vistara merger, will play a pivotal role in revamping the airline’s engineering and safety oversight, leveraging its globally acclaimed standards.
Key Developments
Air India has formally tapped Singapore Airlines’ engineering division to lead a fleet-wide safety audit and maintenance overhaul
The collaboration includes:
-
Deployment of Singapore Airlines’ technical teams across major Air India hubs
-
Introduction of predictive maintenance systems and AI-based diagnostics
-
Joint training programs for Air India’s ground and flight crew
The initiative is part of a broader transformation plan backed by a ₹9,558 crore capital infusion from Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines during FY25
Background: The Crash and Its Fallout
Incident Overview
-
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 bound for London Gatwick, crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12
-
Preliminary investigations point to a faulty engine fuel control switch as the cause
-
The tragedy led to immediate grounding of similar aircraft models and a DGCA-mandated safety review across Indian carriers
Operational Impact
-
Air India slashed domestic and international flights for safety checks
-
Passenger sentiment dipped sharply, with a 4% drop in domestic traffic in June
-
Full restoration of services is expected by October 2025
Singapore Airlines’ Role and Strategic Importance
Singapore Airlines will oversee:
-
Fleet reliability assessments for over 120 aircraft
-
Implementation of zero-defect protocols and enhanced MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) standards
-
Integration of digital twin technology for real-time aircraft health monitoring
-
The partnership is seen as a critical step in aligning Air India’s operations with global benchmarks, especially as the airline prepares for international expansion
Financial and Governance Context
-
Air India reported widened losses of ₹10,900 crore in FY25 despite a 15% rise in revenue to ₹76,800 crore
-
The low-cost arm, Air India Express, continues to drag profitability
-
Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines infused ₹9,558 crore in FY25, with Singapore Airlines contributing ₹6,333 crore
-
The funds are earmarked for fleet upgrades, digital transformation, and safety enhancements
Regulatory Oversight and Industry Response
-
DGCA has issued multiple advisories post-crash, including:
-
Mandatory engine switch inspections
-
Revised takeoff protocols for Boeing 787s
-
Enhanced pilot training modules
Other carriers like IndiGo have also faced scrutiny, with emergency landings and aborted takeoffs reported in recent weeks
Outlook and Strategic Implications
This partnership marks a turning point for Air India’s safety culture and operational reliability. With Singapore Airlines’ technical expertise and capital backing, the airline aims to rebuild trust, modernize its fleet, and position itself as a competitive global carrier.
The move also signals Tata Group’s commitment to long-term transformation, with a focus on governance, technology, and international best practices. For passengers and investors alike, this could be the beginning of a safer, smarter Air India.
Source: Bloomberg News – August 6, 2025 Economic Times – August 6, 2025 Financial Express – August 6, 2025
Advertisement
Advertisement
