Air India Crash Highlights Challenges in Aviation Sector

Air India Crash Highlights Challenges in Aviation Sector

On June 12, India’s aviation industry faced a significant setback with the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad. This incident has cast a stark light on the vulnerabilities within a sector that had been experiencing rapid growth, fueled by record aircraft orders, ambitious regional connectivity initiatives, and increasing private investment. Once regarded as one of the safest aircraft models, the Dreamliner’s accident has not only shaken public confidence but also revealed critical deficiencies in India’s aviation infrastructure.

Black Box Recovery and Ongoing Investigation

The recovery of the Black Box from Air India flight 171 took place on June 13, a day after the crash. This device, which includes the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), was found to be extensively damaged. Specialists at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s newly established ₹9-crore laboratory in Delhi are currently engaged in efforts to extract vital data. Should these attempts prove unsuccessful, the Black Box may be sent to the United States for further analysis. The findings of this investigation will be pivotal in shaping regulatory responses and influencing public perception of aviation safety in India.

Market Impact and Heightened Safety Concerns

The crash has reverberated through global aviation insurance and reinsurance markets, with analysts from GlobalData predicting a hardening of the aviation reinsurance sector. This shift is expected to affect insurers both within India and internationally. Concurrently, public apprehension regarding airline safety has intensified. Research conducted by Skift reveals that 51% of Indian travelers now avoid certain airlines due to safety concerns, a trend that could have enduring repercussions on airline reputations and passenger demand.

For Air India, the crash represents a critical challenge amid its ongoing transformation and the broader ambitions of India’s aviation sector. The incident threatens to disrupt operational momentum and complicate efforts to establish India as a global aviation hub.

Maintenance Infrastructure: A Persistent Challenge

India’s aspirations in aviation are further constrained by inadequate Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure, particularly for wide-body aircraft. While entities such as Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), GMR Aero Technic, and Tata Advanced Systems have developed a strong presence in MRO services, their expertise predominantly covers narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.

There remains a significant shortage of facilities equipped to service wide-body jets and next-generation engines. Many existing MRO centers require substantial upgrades to meet international standards, compounded by a shortage of skilled engineers and high import duties on essential spare parts. Although Air India is collaborating with Singapore Airlines Engineering Company (SIAEC) to develop a new MRO facility in Bengaluru, Indian carriers continue to depend heavily on foreign facilities for major repairs, resulting in increased costs and longer turnaround times.

Progress in the ‘Make in India’ Aerospace Initiative

Despite these challenges, India is making measured progress within the global aerospace supply chain. Government incentives and strategic industry partnerships have facilitated notable achievements across several segments. Companies such as Aequs, Dynamatic Technologies, Gardner, and Mahindra Aerospace are supplying airframe and wing components for Airbus programs. Tata Advanced Systems manufactures cargo doors for the A320neo, while Dynamatic Technologies collaborates with Deutsche Aircraft on the D328eco regional turboprop’s rear fuselage. Additionally, Tata (in partnership with Boeing) and Mahindra Aerostructures (with Airbus) produce helicopter fuselages, and Boeing sources advanced composite parts from its Bengaluru facility.

As the investigation into the Air India crash continues, the incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety standards, upgraded infrastructure, and the restoration of public trust. The future trajectory of India’s aviation sector will depend on addressing these critical challenges.