Air India strengthening internal systems amid operational challenges: CEO
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New Delhi: Air India has reiterated its commitment to safety and operational excellence, stating it is reinforcing internal processes to address recent challenges and enhance the travel experience. The assurance came from the airline’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, who highlighted the airline’s multi-layered safety protocols and efforts to minimise disruptions.
In a message to customers on Wednesday, Wilson acknowledged that Air India had faced some operational issues in recent weeks, which led to flight delays and cancellations due to technical problems. Emphasising that the airline takes these matters seriously, he said measures are being implemented to reduce the inconvenience caused to passengers.
The statement follows the fatal crash of a London Gatwick-bound Air India Boeing 737-8 aircraft on June 12, which resulted in the deaths of 260 people. Since the incident, the Tata Group-owned carrier has undertaken a comprehensive review of its fleet. Detailed inspections of its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft were conducted, and no issues were identified. Similarly, checks of the fuel control switch mechanism on both Boeing 737 and 787-8 models, carried out in line with actions taken by other international airlines, revealed no defects.
Wilson also addressed the recent audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which flagged around 100 violations and observations concerning pilot training, crew rest, and duty period norms, and airfield qualifications. He noted that such audits are a standard part of the aviation industry’s continuous improvement practices and quoted the DGCA as saying Air India's results were “entirely normal” for an airline of its scale and scope.
As part of a self-imposed “safety pause,” Air India has temporarily reduced its flight schedule to allow for additional pre-flight checks and to adjust operations in response to regional airspace restrictions. This period of reduced flying hours has also been used to accelerate aircraft upgrades, boost reliability, and enhance the airline’s ability to manage delays and disruptions.
Wilson underscored that all Air India aircraft undergo rigorous checks before take-off, conducted by trained engineers and pilots. Maintenance is performed at certified facilities both before and between flights. The airline's pilots, cabin crew, and engineers regularly train at the Air India Training Academy, ensuring alignment with the latest safety protocols and international standards. Moreover, the airline’s Integrated Operations Control Centre monitors every flight in real-time, tracking weather conditions, crew status, and aircraft performance.
Air India has begun a phased restoration of international operations from August 1 and aims to fully resume its global flight schedule by October 1. Wilson’s message was directed to members of the airline’s loyalty programme, the Maharaja Club, reaffirming Air India’s commitment to improving safety, reliability, and passenger experience.
With PTI inputs
