India and Japan Order Inspections of 787 Engines and Systems Following Crash

India and Japan Mandate Inspections of Boeing 787 Following Deadly Crash

The first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner has prompted urgent regulatory responses in Asia, with aviation authorities in India and Japan ordering comprehensive safety inspections of their respective fleets. While both countries have acted swiftly, their directives differ in scope and technical specificity.

India's Targeted Safety Measures

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a stringent directive focusing specifically on the General Electric GEnx engines that powered the ill-fated aircraft. In the wake of the Air India flight AI171 crash, the DGCA mandated enhanced safety inspections for all Air India Boeing 787s equipped with GEnx engines. These inspections encompass electronic engine control system tests, operational checks of the fuel-driven actuator, and thorough assessments of the oil system. Furthermore, engine power assurance checks are required to be completed within a two-week timeframe.

Beginning June 15, 2025, the DGCA will enforce a one-time mandatory inspection prior to every departure from India. This inspection will cover the hydraulic system and flight controls, with ongoing flight control evaluations integrated into routine transit checks until further notice. This rigorous approach underscores India’s commitment to addressing potential mechanical vulnerabilities linked to the crash.

Japan’s Broader Fleet-Wide Inspections

In contrast, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has adopted a broader strategy, instructing major operators All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) to conduct inspections of both engines and airframes across their combined fleet of more than 130 Dreamliners. Although comprehensive, Japan’s directive is less prescriptive regarding specific technical procedures compared to India’s targeted engine-focused inspections.

Context and Implications of the Crash

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is powered by either General Electric GEnx or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. India’s inspection order applies exclusively to Air India’s GEnx-powered aircraft, the same engine type involved in the June 12 crash. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London-Gatwick and resulted in the deaths of 241 of the 242 people on board, marking the first fatal incident in the Dreamliner’s operational history.

Beyond immediate safety concerns, the crash poses a significant challenge to Air India’s Vihaan.AI transformation program, an ambitious initiative aimed at revitalizing the airline and advancing India’s aviation sector. The tragedy threatens to damage Air India’s reputation and disrupt its operational momentum, raising questions about the broader trajectory of India’s aviation ambitions.

For Boeing, the incident represents a major setback amid ongoing efforts to rebuild trust following a series of safety controversies. The crash has intensified scrutiny of Boeing’s safety culture and may affect market confidence as regulatory responses and competitor reactions continue to evolve. Both Air India and Boeing now face increased pressure to demonstrate transparency and implement robust safety measures.

International Responses and Ongoing Investigation

In contrast to the decisive actions taken in Asia, U.S. authorities have adopted a more cautious approach. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described it as “way too premature” to consider grounding the global 787 fleet. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has pledged full cooperation with the investigation, emphasizing that any new safety information will prompt immediate regulatory action.

The official investigation is being led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with technical support from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), FAA, Boeing, and GE Aerospace. The recovery of one of the flight recorders is expected to be crucial in determining the cause of the crash and shaping the future operational protocols for the Dreamliner worldwide.