
E-mails plus intelligents, affaires plus rapides. Marquage, analyse et réponse automatique aux demandes de devis, devis, commandes, etc. — instantanément.
Voir en action
Comparing the Power of IAE V2500 and CFM56 Engines
June 29, 2025By ePlane AI
0
0
IAE V2500
CFM56
Turbofan Engines
More news

Yogesh Farswani Appointed Head of OEM Strategy and Procurement at BOC Aviation
Yogesh Farswani Appointed Head of OEM Strategy and Procurement at BOC Aviation
BOC Aviation has announced the appointment of Yogesh Farswani as its new Head of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Strategy and Procurement, effective July 1, 2025. In this expanded leadership capacity, Farswani will oversee the company’s procurement operations, managing both aircraft and engine acquisitions while strengthening engagement with OEM partners. He will continue to report directly to Chief Operating Officer Thomas Chandler.
Leadership Transition and Strategic Vision
Farswani succeeds Alistair Greig, who is set to retire on June 30, 2025, after a distinguished 22-year tenure with BOC Aviation. Greig played a pivotal role in the company’s fleet expansion, which now includes over 800 aircraft owned, managed, or on order. Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, expressed gratitude for Greig’s contributions and highlighted Farswani’s extensive industry experience. Townend remarked, “With over 29 years of experience in the aviation industry, Yogesh will continue to drive portfolio growth and enhance our key relationships with the OEMs. As we enter a new phase of fleet expansion, Yogesh's experience will ensure that we continue to achieve our growth ambitions.”
Farswani joined BOC Aviation in May 2024 as Head of Engines, a newly created department. His professional background encompasses diverse roles at Pratt & Whitney, including finance, risk management, government affairs, sales, and country management across China, Singapore, and the United States. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bryant University and an MBA from the University of Connecticut.
Navigating Market Challenges and Fleet Expansion
Farswani’s appointment comes amid significant shifts in the aviation leasing sector, which is currently facing increased scrutiny over procurement strategies and volatility in OEM pricing. Recent industry reports have underscored the challenges posed by fluctuating costs and supplier negotiations. BOC Aviation’s recent transactions with carriers such as Avianca and Gulf Air have attracted attention from competitors, potentially prompting adjustments in their own procurement and fleet strategies.
As the aircraft leasing landscape continues to evolve, Farswani will be responsible for guiding BOC Aviation’s procurement strategy to sustain its competitive advantage and support ongoing fleet growth. As of March 31, 2025, the company’s owned and managed fleet comprised 829 aircraft and engines leased to 93 airlines across 48 countries and regions. BOC Aviation remains a leading global aircraft operating lessor, positioned for further expansion under Farswani’s strategic leadership.

FL Technics Acquires JOB AIR Technic
FL Technics to Acquire JOB AIR Technic, Enhancing MRO Capacity in Central Europe
FL Technics, a leading global provider of aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, has announced its intention to acquire JOB AIR Technic a.s., a Czech-based MRO provider. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Central to the deal is the transfer of a 17,000-square-meter MRO facility located at Leoš Janáček Airport Ostrava, the largest regional airport in the Czech Republic. This acquisition is set to substantially increase FL Technics’ maintenance capabilities within the Central European region.
Expanding Service Capabilities and Geographic Reach
Established in 1993 and formerly part of the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), JOB AIR Technic employs over 400 specialists and operates two hangars comprising eight bays designed to accommodate both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. The company provides a broad range of services, including base maintenance, avionics, structural repairs, composite work, emergency equipment servicing, non-destructive testing, and interior refurbishment. Additionally, JOB AIR operates a Part 147 maintenance training center and holds regulatory certifications from multiple authorities such as EASA, FAA, Transport Canada, and Bermuda CAA. These approvals enable the servicing of various aircraft types, including Airbus A320 (and A320NEO), A330, and Boeing 737 NG and MAX models, catering to major European and international airlines.
Zilvinas Lapinskas, CEO of FL Technics, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, noting that JOB AIR’s existing infrastructure and client base will allow FL Technics to immediately expand its service capacity without the delays typically associated with new construction and certification processes. He emphasized the facility’s advantageous location, which facilitates coverage across Europe, North Africa, and Turkey within a three- to four-hour flight radius.
Industry Context and Market Implications
While the acquisition promises to strengthen FL Technics’ position in the MRO sector, it remains contingent upon regulatory approvals and the effective integration of operations—factors that may present challenges. The transaction occurs amid a cautiously optimistic business aviation market, where sentiment indicators have shown only modest improvement against a backdrop of ongoing uncertainties.
Recent industry developments, such as Gama Aviation’s acquisition of Capital Air Ambulance and the expansion of MRO and fixed-base operator (FBO) services in Illinois, illustrate how consolidation can prompt competitors to recalibrate their strategies. These adjustments may include increased investment in customer support and the broadening of service offerings to maintain competitive advantage.
Market responses to FL Technics’ acquisition of JOB AIR Technic are expected to vary from cautious optimism to intensified competition, as stakeholders evaluate the potential impact on service capacity and regional influence. As the deal advances through the approval process, industry observers will closely monitor FL Technics’ integration efforts and the broader competitive dynamics within the evolving MRO landscape.

Macroeconomic pressures reshaping commercial aircraft leasing
Macroeconomic Pressures Reshaping Commercial Aircraft Leasing
The commercial aircraft leasing industry, a vital component of global air transportation for over fifty years, has enabled airlines to expand their fleets without incurring substantial upfront costs. Currently, more than half of all commercial jets are financed through long-term dry leasing arrangements. However, the year 2025 has introduced a convergence of unprecedented challenges, including escalating geopolitical tensions, ongoing supply chain disruptions, and intensifying macroeconomic pressures, all of which are reshaping the sector.
Geopolitical and Economic Uncertainty
The rise in global conflicts and increasing protectionist policies have significantly heightened geopolitical risks, directly impacting airline fleet strategies and the deployment of leased assets. The industry continues to recover from the profound disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which suppressed aircraft demand for over four years. Additionally, sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine led to the confiscation of more than 400 leased aircraft, a complex issue that has only recently been addressed through insurance settlements.
As 2025 unfolds, cautious optimism within the industry is tempered by concerns over sustained demand and uncertainties surrounding trade policies. The commercial jet supply chain is highly globalized, with Russia supplying the majority of titanium, China dominating aluminum and rare earth materials, Indonesia providing nickel, and the Democratic Republic of Congo supplying cobalt. The tariff war initiated by the United States in 2025 threatens to disrupt these critical supply chains, increasing costs and complicating production processes. In response, major manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing are actively reconfiguring their supply chains to mitigate the risks posed by future protectionist measures, although these efforts may provide only limited relief.
Persistent Supply Chain and Financial Strains
Supply chain bottlenecks continue to define the current leasing market landscape. Aircraft manufacturers face shortages in essential components including engines, airframe structures, cabin systems, and skilled labor, all of which have impeded their ability to meet production targets. Airbus, for example, has postponed plans to increase A320 output due to persistent issues with engine and cabin equipment supplies. Over the past five years, the cumulative production shortfall is estimated at approximately 4,000 aircraft—units that will never be delivered.
This scarcity has driven lease rentals for certain used aircraft to levels at least 20% higher than those seen before the pandemic, primarily due to the limited availability of new production and ongoing challenges related to the reliability of next-generation engines. Consequently, lessors are increasingly concentrating on engine leasing, anticipating strong liquidity demand for new-generation engines. This trend highlights broader financial strains permeating the aviation sector.
Market Reactions and Competitive Shifts
Macroeconomic pressures, including volatile fuel prices and economic uncertainty, are compelling airlines to scrutinize lease terms more rigorously and seek greater flexibility in financing arrangements. The industry is witnessing strategic maneuvers from key players; for instance, AviLease has placed substantial orders for new Airbus models, positioning itself to capitalize on potential market shifts and evolving demand patterns.
In this complex environment, the commercial aircraft leasing sector faces a multifaceted landscape shaped by intertwined geopolitical, economic, and supply chain challenges. The industry’s capacity to adapt through flexible financing solutions, enhanced supply chain resilience, and strategic fleet planning will be essential to navigating the turbulence ahead.

Airline Executives Address Data Fragmentation, AI, and Consumer Behavior
Airline Executives Address Data Fragmentation, AI, and Consumer Behavior
The aviation industry has long integrated machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) into various operational areas, including dynamic pricing and predictive maintenance. As AI technologies advance rapidly, airline executives are now turning their attention to the transformative potential of AI in customer service, marketing, and retail.
AI in Customer Service and Retail Transformation
At Phocuswright Europe 2025, Olaf Backofen, head of global retail partnerships for Lufthansa Group, discussed a recent pilot project involving the AI assistant Swifty in collaboration with SWISS. This initiative offered travelers a conversational booking experience. Although market research indicated that the majority of customers still prefer traditional booking methods, younger demographics, particularly Generation Z, are showing increasing openness to conversational AI interfaces.
Filip Filipov, chief operating officer at AI specialist OAG, joined Backofen in emphasizing the critical need for enhanced collaboration and data sharing across the aviation sector to fully harness AI’s capabilities. Filipov remarked that this period marks a significant shift, with airlines and related industry players beginning to connect disparate data points across the customer and traveler journey.
Challenges of Data Fragmentation and Legacy Systems
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding AI, both executives acknowledged persistent challenges, notably data fragmentation and outdated legacy systems. Fragmented data complicates the integration of real-time insights into consumer behavior, demand fluctuations, and competitor pricing—elements essential for effective AI-driven marketing strategies. While some airlines have successfully employed AI for targeted advertising and personalized offers, others continue to grapple with privacy concerns and the technical difficulties of consolidating diverse data sources.
Backofen underscored the necessity of developing a unified booking system comparable to the seamless experiences provided by leading e-commerce platforms. He explained, “We need to have one database, which enables us to have in one passenger name record the possibility to buy tickets, ancillaries, and everything else. But it will take four to five years until we have this in place.”
Industry Trends and Consumer Behavior
The discussion also highlighted broader industry trends, including the exploration of new retail channels such as social media platforms for selling tickets and ancillary products. Competitors are increasingly adopting AI tools to enhance both customer service and operational efficiency.
Shifts in consumer behavior continue to influence airline strategies. Market responses to AI-driven initiatives vary widely; some brands have successfully implemented targeted campaigns, while others face challenges balancing personalization with privacy concerns. In markets like Canada, limited competition among discount carriers has resulted in higher fares, prompting calls for increased foreign competition to reduce prices—an issue that AI and data integration alone cannot resolve.
As the aviation sector confronts these complexities, executives concur that addressing data fragmentation and embracing AI-driven innovation will be essential to meeting evolving consumer expectations and sustaining competitiveness in a rapidly changing environment.

Air India Flight from Tokyo to Delhi Diverted to Kolkata Over Cabin Heat Problem
Air India Flight from Tokyo to Delhi Diverted to Kolkata Due to Cabin Heat Issue
Air India faced renewed operational challenges over the weekend when flight AI357, traveling from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Delhi, was diverted to Kolkata after the crew detected unusually high temperatures in the cabin. The incident, which occurred on June 29, has intensified concerns about the airline’s safety and reliability, especially in the aftermath of the deadly Ahmedabad crash earlier this month.
Details of the Diversion and Passenger Response
An Air India spokesperson confirmed that the diversion was a precautionary measure taken after persistent warmth was experienced inside the aircraft cabin. The flight landed safely in Kolkata, where the plane is currently undergoing thorough technical checks. Passengers were assisted by ground staff, provided with refreshments, and offered alternative arrangements to complete their journey to Delhi. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and assured that all necessary support was being extended to those affected.
Context of Recent Operational Setbacks
This incident follows a series of disruptions that have raised questions about Air India’s operational integrity. Just two days prior, flight AI639 from Mumbai to Chennai returned to Mumbai shortly after takeoff due to a burning smell detected in the cabin. Passengers were safely transferred to another aircraft. On the same day, a non-specific security alert on a separate Air India flight led to standard security procedures before the aircraft was cleared for departure. Additionally, an Air India Express flight from Delhi to Jammu was forced to turn back mid-flight because of a technical issue, with passengers subsequently accommodated on a different plane.
These repeated operational challenges come in the shadow of the June 12 crash of Flight AI-171 near Ahmedabad, which resulted in 260 fatalities. The tragedy has prompted intensified internal inspections and heightened regulatory scrutiny across India’s aviation sector.
Implications for Air India’s Future
The diversion of the Tokyo-Delhi flight also raises concerns about the progress of Air India’s Vihaan.AI transformation program, an ambitious initiative aimed at modernizing the airline and restoring its reputation. Industry analysts caution that ongoing operational issues could erode customer confidence and investor trust, potentially hindering the airline’s momentum at a critical time. Market observers have noted that persistent safety and reliability problems may create opportunities for competitors to capture market share if Air India does not address these challenges promptly.
As Air India seeks to reassure passengers and stakeholders, the airline faces increasing pressure to demonstrate concrete improvements in safety and operational reliability to safeguard its brand and maintain its position in a highly competitive aviation market.

Pulsus CEO Calls for Aviation University and MRO Facility Near Bhogapuram Airport
Pulsus CEO Advocates for Aviation University and MRO Facility Near Bhogapuram Airport
Strategic Proposal to Boost Regional Economy
VIZIANAGARAM — Gedela Srinubabu, Chief Executive Officer of the Pulsus Group, has urged both the Union and State governments to establish an Aviation University and a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility adjacent to the forthcoming international airport at Bhogapuram. The airport is scheduled to commence operations by June 2026. Speaking to the media, Srinubabu underscored the potential of these initiatives to significantly accelerate economic growth along the Srikakulam-Vizianagaram-Visakhapatnam corridor.
He projected that North Andhra could generate up to $500 billion in economic activity over the next two decades, contingent on swift government action aligned with the Vision-2047 framework endorsed by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Srinubabu emphasized the increasing national emphasis on aircraft maintenance, particularly in light of recent aviation incidents, and argued that an MRO facility at Bhogapuram would rapidly create thousands of jobs. He further highlighted that the establishment of an Aviation University would provide vital educational opportunities for local students aspiring to careers in aviation.
Challenges and Competitive Landscape
Despite the optimistic outlook, the proposal faces considerable challenges. The Bhogapuram region would need to contend with established MRO hubs in central India, notably Bhopal, where Inavia Aviation has recently invested $18 million to expand its operations. Industry experts have expressed reservations about the viability of launching a new aviation university and MRO facility in North Andhra, given the substantial investments already underway in other regions. The competitive response from existing aviation firms may include strategic expansions aimed at protecting their market share, thereby intensifying competition for both capital and skilled personnel.
Regional Development and Collaborative Efforts
Nonetheless, Srinubabu remains confident in the transformative potential of the region. He cited ongoing and planned projects such as pharmaceutical hubs in Vizianagaram-Srikakulam, the construction of a sea port at Mulapeta, and a proposed cargo airport in Palasa, Srikakulam district. He asserted that the phased realization of Vision-2047’s objectives could effectively eliminate the region’s historical economic disadvantages.
Srinubabu also indicated that the Pulsus Group, which specializes in health informatics, is ready to partner with government authorities to implement training programs aimed at developing a skilled workforce in Andhra Pradesh. The call for an aviation university and MRO facility near Bhogapuram arrives as the region seeks to establish itself as a significant investment destination, while navigating skepticism and competitive pressures from entrenched industry players.

Delivery Delays Push Back Retirement of Airbus A380 and Boeing 747
Delivery Delays Postpone Retirement of Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 at Korean Air
Korean Air has announced it will continue operating its aging Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8 aircraft for several more years due to persistent delivery delays from both Airbus and Boeing. The airline’s original plan, as outlined by CEO Walter Cho, was to retire these iconic double-decker jets by 2026. However, ongoing setbacks in aircraft deliveries have compelled Korean Air to revise its fleet renewal timeline.
Impact of Delivery Shortfalls on Fleet Modernization
Korean Air’s current fleet comprises six Airbus A380s with an average age of 11.6 years and 18 Boeing 747-8s averaging 11.9 years, alongside 46 Boeing 777s that have been in service for approximately 12.3 years. The airline is awaiting the delivery of around 20 aircraft from each manufacturer, a shortfall that has made it impossible to phase out the older models as initially planned. CEO Cho emphasized that until the new aircraft arrive, the older A380s, 747-8s, and some of the aging 777s will remain in operation.
These delivery delays are part of a broader industry-wide challenge. Airbus, for instance, experienced a 4% decline in deliveries in May, with total deliveries for the year down 5% compared to the same period last year. Reuters reports that only 359 planes were delivered in the first four months of the year, significantly below the forecasted 1,430. This bottleneck is hindering growth in the commercial aviation sector and has led some airlines to contemplate legal action. Despite these difficulties, Airbus maintains its annual delivery target of 820 aircraft, though production and delivery rates continue to raise concerns.
Korean Air’s Current Operations and Future Fleet Plans
At present, Korean Air operates six A380s, two of which are currently parked. The airline is also set to acquire eight additional A380s from Asiana Airlines following the completion of their merger. It remains uncertain whether the interiors of these incoming aircraft will be updated to align with Korean Air’s distinctive configuration, which includes two separate bars for First and Business class passengers and a duty-free boutique located at the rear of the lower deck.
Korean Air is now one of only three airlines worldwide still flying the Boeing 747-8, alongside Air China and Lufthansa. CEO Cho reiterated the airline’s commitment to phasing out these older aircraft as soon as the new deliveries are fulfilled.
Looking ahead, Korean Air’s fleet expansion remains ambitious. The airline has over 40 Airbus A321neos on order, in addition to four A350-900s and 27 A350-1000s. On the Boeing side, Korean Air is awaiting more than 24 737 MAX 8s, 20 777-9s, six 787-9s, and 31 787-10s, with deliveries scheduled through 2028. To address immediate passenger demand, the airline is also retrofitting four Boeing 777-300ERs with new Prestige Suites 2.0 cabins.
Until the arrival of these new aircraft, Korean Air’s Airbus A380s and Boeing 747-8s—once slated for retirement—will continue to be a familiar presence in the skies.

Qantas Leases Boeing 737s Amid Airbus A321XLR Delivery Delays
Qantas Leases Boeing 737s Amid Airbus A321XLR Delivery Delays
Addressing Capacity Challenges with Leased Aircraft
Qantas Airways has announced plans to lease four additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft to strengthen its domestic capacity in response to ongoing delays in the delivery of its new Airbus A321XLR jets. These leased 737s, described as “midlife” aircraft, are expected to enter service by the end of 2025, serving as a temporary solution to the shortfall caused by postponed Airbus deliveries.
The first Airbus A321XLR, initially scheduled for delivery earlier this year at Sydney Airport, is now expected to arrive next week, approximately three months behind the original timeline. This delay is part of a wider industry trend, with Airbus reporting a 4% decline in deliveries in May 2025 amid persistent production and supply chain difficulties. Such setbacks have led some airlines to contemplate legal action against manufacturers, while the market has expressed skepticism regarding interim fleet strategies, including Qantas’ decision to lease older aircraft models.
To maintain operational resilience, Qantas plans to partially upgrade the cabins of the leased Boeing 737-800s upon their entry into service. A comprehensive retrofit, designed to align the interiors with the airline’s next-generation cabin concept intended for the A321XLRs, will be implemented at a later stage.
Fleet Modernization and Cabin Refurbishment
The Airbus A321XLR represents a critical component of Qantas’ fleet modernization strategy, aimed at enhancing service across key hubs such as Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as improving both domestic and short-haul international operations. The delay in its arrival has temporarily disrupted the airline’s transition to a more modern and fuel-efficient fleet.
Concurrently, Qantas is undertaking an extensive cabin refurbishment program for its existing fleet of 42 Boeing 737s. This initiative forms part of a broader effort to elevate the passenger experience, featuring new seats, redesigned sidewalls, updated mood lighting, new carpets, and larger overhead bins capable of accommodating 50% more carry-on luggage. These upgrades are intended to closely mirror the interiors of the incoming Airbus A220 and A321XLR aircraft. The airline will continue to offer fast and free in-flight Wi-Fi on the retrofitted jets. The first fully refurbished 737 is scheduled to return to service in 2027.
The enhanced 737 fleet will continue to operate across Qantas’ domestic network and on short-haul international routes to destinations including Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Zealand. These improvements are designed to ensure service continuity and passenger comfort until the full transition to the new Airbus fleet is complete.
Qantas’ long-term fleet plan envisions replacing its Boeing 737s with Airbus A321XLRs and A220s. As of mid-2025, five Airbus A220s are already in active service, supporting the airline’s operational flexibility and sustainability objectives.
Industry-Wide Implications
The persistent delays in aircraft deliveries reflect broader challenges confronting the aviation industry. Qantas’ approach exemplifies how airlines are adapting to these disruptions by seeking alternative solutions to maintain capacity and service standards. As uncertainty around production timelines continues, other carriers may also explore similar strategies to manage their fleet requirements amid an evolving and complex market environment.

Key Aviation Experts to Watch in June 2025
Key Aviation Experts to Watch in June 2025
Fabio Bendaña’s Strategic Role at RS&H
In June 2025, RS&H, a prominent national architecture, engineering, and consulting firm, announced the appointment of Fabio Bendaña as Associate Vice President for its aviation market services. In this capacity, Bendaña will spearhead terminal design projects while also playing a critical role in strategic planning, project management, and business development. His leadership is expected to significantly advance RS&H’s portfolio of airport infrastructure initiatives, positioning him as a key figure in the firm’s ongoing growth.
Bendaña brings more than two decades of experience in aviation architecture, having contributed to projects across five continents. His expertise spans a diverse range of facilities, from large commercial airports to smaller general aviation sites. He holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Louisiana State University and a master’s in architecture from Florida International University, underscoring a multidisciplinary foundation that informs his approach to complex aviation projects.
Industry Context and Challenges
Bendaña’s appointment arrives at a critical juncture for the aviation sector, which in 2025 faces considerable challenges. According to forecasts by CAE, the industry must recruit approximately 1.5 million professionals worldwide to meet growing demands. This workforce shortage coincides with ongoing global pressures and rapid technological advancements that are reshaping the market landscape.
Recent innovations showcased at the Paris Air Show, such as Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 electric aircraft and Liebherr’s folding wingtips for the Boeing 777X, exemplify the pace of change within the industry. These developments are expected to influence strategic priorities for firms like RS&H, as they adapt to new technologies and evolving customer expectations.
Navigating a Shifting Competitive Landscape
The competitive environment in aviation is also undergoing transformation. Industry players are increasingly leveraging foreign aerospace investments to mitigate tariff concerns and are capitalizing on rising European defense budgets aimed at strengthening air power. In this context, Bendaña’s combined expertise in design and strategic planning is anticipated to be instrumental in helping RS&H navigate these shifts.
As the aviation sector confronts workforce shortages and embraces technological innovation, leaders such as Bendaña will play a vital role in guiding firms through this period of transformation and growth, ensuring continued leadership in airport infrastructure development.

Aviation Expert Suggests Boeing 787 Software May Have Contributed to AI Crash
Aviation Expert Raises Concerns Over Boeing 787 Software in Air India Crash
Mary Schiavo, former Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Transportation and a prominent aviation attorney, has expressed serious concerns that a software-related engine thrust rollback malfunction in the Boeing 787 may have played a role in the recent crash of Air India Flight AI-171. In an exclusive interview with *The Sunday Guardian*, Schiavo highlighted a known issue previously examined by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), where the aircraft’s computer systems could mistakenly reduce engine thrust during flight.
Drawing on her extensive experience overseeing major air safety investigations and representing families affected by aviation disasters, Schiavo emphasized the risks posed by Boeing’s involvement in its own crash investigations. She called on India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to undertake a comprehensive and independent inquiry, particularly given the complexity of the Boeing 787’s software systems.
Software Malfunction and Regulatory Concerns
Central to Schiavo’s warning is the Thrust Control Malfunction Accommodation (TCMA) system, mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration for the Boeing 787. The TCMA operates in conjunction with the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system, relying on computer inputs to determine whether the aircraft is airborne or on the ground. If these systems incorrectly classify the aircraft’s status, they may automatically adjust engine settings, potentially reducing thrust without any pilot intervention.
Schiavo referenced a 2019 incident involving Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA), where a similar dual engine thrust rollback occurred. The NTSB investigation into that event identified the issue as a software design flaw and led to corrective measures across the 787 fleet. According to Schiavo, such computer-triggered thrust reductions would leave distinct signatures in the flight data recorder, which investigators should carefully analyze in the case of AI-171.
Wider Implications for Boeing and the Aviation Industry
The possibility that Boeing 787 software contributed to the Air India crash is expected to heighten scrutiny from aviation regulators worldwide. Should software faults be confirmed, both Boeing and Air India could face significant legal consequences. The incident may also prompt a broader reassessment of software-related risks within the 787 fleet. Schiavo drew parallels to Boeing’s handling of the MCAS software issue, which previously sparked global controversy and regulatory intervention.
Beyond regulatory and legal ramifications, the crash carries immediate consequences for the global aviation insurance market. Industry analysts warn that insurance and reinsurance premiums could increase, particularly in India, where the aviation insurance sector has already been grappling with financial losses. Competitors may leverage the situation to highlight their own safety records and technological advancements, potentially affecting Boeing’s market position.
For Air India, the crash presents a critical challenge to its Vihaan.AI transformation program, which aims to elevate the airline to world-class status within five years. The investigation’s outcome and the airline’s subsequent response will be closely monitored by regulators, insurers, and the traveling public.
Ask AeroGenie