Air India Crash Update: One Engine Was Brand New, Chairman Confirms Amid Ongoing Investigation

In a significant update following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, the airline’s chairman, N. Chandrasekaran, has revealed that one of the aircraft's engines was newly installed just months before the accident, while the other was still within its approved service timeline.

The fatal crash of the London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 13, 2025, killing at least 270 people — most of them passengers — in what is now one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent history.

Engine Details and Maintenance History

In an interview with Times Now, Chandrasekaran clarified that:

• Right Engine: A brand-new engine, installed in March 2025

• Left Engine: Last serviced in 2023, with the next check scheduled for December 2025

Despite public speculation, the chairman stated both engines had a “clean history” and stressed the importance of waiting for the official analysis of the black box flight recorders, which have been recovered from the wreckage.

“This particular aircraft, AI171, had a clean operational record. We must wait for the black box analysis before drawing conclusions,” – N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons & Air India

Understanding the Genx-1B Engines

The crashed aircraft was powered by GE Aerospace’s Genx-1B engines, known for their advanced digital monitoring systems. Former Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) official Kishore Chinta emphasised that the age of such engines does not directly indicate health:

• Genx-1B engines are governed by Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which continuously monitors engine performance.

• Unlike traditional engines, there are no fixed overhaul intervals—maintenance is based on real-time health diagnostics.

• Life Limited Parts (LLPs) in the engine still adhere to fixed usage limits, typically 15,000–20,000 operational cycles.

“Just because an engine is new doesn’t mean it's guaranteed healthy—and an older engine isn’t automatically unfit,” – Kishore Chinta, former AAIB investigator

Flight AI171: What Happened?

Flight AI171 crashed less than a minute after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport, en route to London Heathrow. The tragedy triggered immediate responses from aviation authorities, with a deep investigation now underway to analyse:

• Flight Data Recorder (FDR)

• Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)

• Debris patterns and engine condition

The black boxes are expected to provide crucial insight into the aircraft’s final moments and help determine the root cause of the crash.

Operational Impact on Air India

In response to the crash, Air India has temporarily cut international operations by 15% on wide-body aircraft until mid-July. The airline cited multiple contributing factors:

• Enhanced safety inspections post-crash

• Operational caution among crew and ground teams

• Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East

As of now:

• 26 of 33 Boeing 787-8/787-9 aircraft have been cleared for service after thorough inspections

• Inspections on the remaining Dreamliners are underway

• The Boeing 777 fleet will also undergo additional safety checks

“These curtailments are painful but necessary following a devastating event and an unusual combination of external events,” – Air India statement

Strategic Concerns for Tata Group

The crash is a serious setback for Tata Sons, which acquired Air India from the Indian government in 2022 with an ambitious plan to turn the airline into a world-class private carrier. Analysts believe this incident may delay the group’s aggressive expansion and restructuring goals.

Still, the airline’s leadership remains committed to transparency and restoring public confidence through rigorous safety protocols and clear communication.

Key Takeaways for B2B Travel Agents & Airline Professionals

• Do not rely on engine age alone when assessing aircraft reliability — Genx-1B engines use dynamic health monitoring.

• Expect potential disruptions in international booking flows with Air India’s wide-body services temporarily reduced.

• Monitor updates from DGCA and airline briefings for further developments impacting air travel continuity.

• Prepare clients proactively with alternative flight options and safety reassurance.
  
  

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