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Air India to Handle Fleet Maintenance In-House, Partners with Singapore Airlines Following Ahmedabad Crash

Air India to Internalize Fleet Maintenance, Partners with Singapore Airlines Following Ahmedabad Crash
Air India is undertaking a significant shift in its aircraft maintenance strategy by bringing key services in-house and leveraging the technical expertise of its shareholder, Singapore Airlines (SIA). This strategic move marks a departure from the previous reliance on the state-owned AI Engineering Services Ltd. (AIESL) for maintenance operations. The decision follows the tragic crash of flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad in June, which resulted in the deaths of 241 of the 242 people on board. The incident triggered a comprehensive safety audit across the sector and led to the temporary suspension of certain services.
Transition to In-House Maintenance
The plan to internalize maintenance functions was already part of Air India’s broader transformation agenda prior to the Ahmedabad disaster. However, the airline had initially delayed implementation to focus on increasing flight frequencies and improving passenger experience. The crash has since accelerated these efforts, underscoring the urgent need to enhance safety and operational reliability.
Concerns over the quality of services provided by AIESL, including recurring issues such as malfunctioning aircraft toilets, have contributed to Air India’s decision to assume greater control over maintenance. While the airline will maintain a collaborative relationship with AIESL, it intends to take direct responsibility for pre-flight and daily inspections, minor repairs, and troubleshooting activities.
An Air India spokesperson highlighted the challenges posed by the airline’s expanding fleet, which now comprises 570 aircraft, including a substantial number of widebody jets. The spokesperson noted that India’s current Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure is insufficient to support operations at this scale. To meet future demands and uphold world-class safety and reliability standards, Air India must invest in developing robust domestic MRO capabilities.
Singapore Airlines’ Involvement and Market Implications
Singapore Airlines, holding a 25.1% stake in Air India, is positioned to play a crucial role in this transition. An SIA representative confirmed the airline’s active involvement in supporting Air India’s transformation, providing technical expertise and guidance as needed.
This partnership is expected to grant Air India access to advanced technical resources and international best practices, thereby strengthening its maintenance operations and aligning them with global safety standards. Nonetheless, the transition presents significant challenges, including managing operational changes, ensuring compliance with international aviation regulations, and mitigating reputational damage stemming from the Ahmedabad crash.
The operational difficulties faced by Air India have also impacted Singapore Airlines’ financial results, contributing to a 59% decline in profit for the quarter ending June 30. The increased scrutiny following the crash has prompted competitors to reinforce their own safety and maintenance protocols, while industry observers closely monitor Air India’s response to regulatory and public concerns.
Audit Outcomes and Industry Response
A recent audit conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation revealed that the Air India Group exhibited the highest number of safety-related issues among Indian carriers. Initiated prior to the Ahmedabad crash, the audit has intensified attention on the airline’s operational practices and safety measures.
As Air India moves forward with its maintenance overhaul, it faces the dual challenge of restoring public confidence and ensuring that its expanded fleet adheres to the highest safety and reliability standards. The collaboration with Singapore Airlines is regarded as a vital component in rebuilding trust and positioning Air India for sustainable growth within a highly competitive aviation market.

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