Air India CEO reacts to online backlash over 'lack of visibility' at crew's funerals after Ahmedabad plane crash

CEO Campbell Wilson also affirmed that Air India's entire fleet of aircraft, especially Boeing 787, remains safe to operate after comprehensive checks.

Air India CEO and managing director Campbell Wilson on Friday issued clarification on "lack of visibility of" the airline at the services held for the colleagues deceased in the Ahmedabad plane crash, saying that senior representatives were present for each and every one.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said the airline has voluntarily decided to continue conducting "additional pre-flight checks" for the time. (Reuters)

The CEO's statement comes against the backdrop of the recent crash of Air India AI171 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of 270 people. Families of the victims, whose bodies have been handed over following DNA identification, have been holding final services for their loved ones.

In an official communication, the CEO said, "You may have read social media commentary on Air India's perceived lack of visibility at the services held for our colleagues. I can assure you that we have had senior representation at each and every one. We are, however, taking care that our presence does not cause disruption at a time so important for families and loved ones, as a matter of respect."

The Air India CEO also assured of continued transparency and support to both its employees and customers, saying that the airline, and its umbrella Tata Group, will stand by the families of the Ahmedabad crash victims and affected staff even long after the crisis subsides.

"We continue to mourn for the lives lost in the AI171 tragedy, and to support those who have been affected. Around 500 colleagues from Air India and 17 other Tata companies remain in Ahmedabad to help the families of passengers, crew and those on the ground. Progress is being made, together with the authorities, on reconciling families with their loved ones, and as of this morning more than 200 have received some degree of solace and closure," he said.

Wilson said resounded Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran's words and said that these families are "now Tata families".

Additionally, the CEO said that Air India is supporting everyone, including employees who served in Ahmedabad. Upon their return, the staffers are being given a mandatory break along with counselling.

"The counselling services, which are confidential and provided by professionals, continue to be available to everyone and I encourage you to avail of it," he stated.

‘Won’t release aircraft, if any doubt'

The Air India Managing Director also assured the public that the company "will not release any aircraft for service" if there is any doubt over its functioning.

Wilson also affirmed that Air India's entire fleet of aircraft, especially Boeing 787, remains safe to operate after comprehensive checks.

"Have our aircraft been deemed safe? Yes. We have completed the additional precautionary checks on our operating Boeing 787 fleet as requested by the DGCA, who have publicly declared that they meet required standards," he said.

He said that the airline has voluntarily decided to continue conducting "additional pre-flight checks" for the time.

"Where there is any doubt, we will not release aircraft -- of any type -- for service," Wilson added.

What happened on June 12?

CEO Campbell Wilson also took the moment to respond to a question he said he has been faced with repeatedly, "What happened?"

Noting that there are several theories floating around about the Air India AI171 crash, CEO Wilson said that the accident is "now under official investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, it is not appropriate for us to comment or speculate".

"We are providing all information requested by the AAIB and are cooperating completely. It is vital that the facts, whatever they may be, are known so that we and the industry at large can learn from them," he added.

He also responded to a query on whether the investigation's report will be available, saying that it is "completely up to the AAIB".

Wilson noted that the final report of the probe could take many months, even though AAIB might choose to issue interim updates or reports.

"If there is any discovery during the investigation that suggests airlines or suppliers need to change something urgently, we have confidence that such information would be shared quickly. For our part, we will be transparent with what is shared with us," he added.

Reduction in Air India flights

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson noted that the additional pre-check flights reduce the number of hours its aircraft are available to operate.

Additionally, the extra flight time arising due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East region and the closure of Pakistan has prompted the airline to reduce the amount of flying over the coming weeks, he added.

"We will progressively restore when the time is right," Wilson said.

Asked about Air India's future plans, Wilson said that the airline will learn whatever it can from the tragic event so that "we are stronger in future".

He assured that Air India's aim in every respect, safety, quality, service, scale, professionalism, reach, or any other dimensions, "remains the same if not higher than before".

Ahmedabad plane crash

An Air India AI171 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft crashed into the hostel complex of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar of Gujarat's Ahmedabad on June 12.

The crash took place just minutes after the flight's takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

Except for one, all other 241 passengers aboard the aircraft, including former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, were killed in the terrifying accident.

On the ground, 29 persons lost their lives to the plane crash, bringing the total death toll to 270.