Air India announced on Tuesday that it has successfully completed precautionary inspections on all Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft in its fleet, specifically targeting the locking mechanisms of the Fuel Control Switch (FCS).
These checks, carried out in accordance with safety directives from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), revealed no technical issues.
India’s aviation regulator issued the safety directive after a tragic Boeing Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad last month that claimed 260 lives.
According to the preliminary report from the Air Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the aircraft experienced a loss of power seconds after take-off due to fuel supply failure.
The engine’s fuel switches unexpectedly transitioned from ‘Run’ to ‘Cutoff’, causing the failure.
The incident raised critical concerns over the reliability of FCS locking mechanisms, prompting the DGCA to mandate checks on similar aircraft models operated within India.
Air India’s Swift Action
Air India and Air India Express began voluntary inspections on 12 July. This was two days before the DGCA’s official directive.
Air India completed these inspections well within the prescribed timeframe.
“In the inspections, no issues were found with the said locking mechanism. Air India had started voluntary inspections on 12 July and completed them within the time limit set by the DGCA,” the airline said in a statement. “The same has been communicated to the regulator.”
The airline confirmed that the Boeing 737 aircraft inspected are part of the Air India Express fleet. Air India has duly reported all findings, or the absence of any, to the DGCA.
Reassuring its passengers, Air India reaffirmed its commitment to operational safety and compliance.
“Air India remains committed to the safety of passengers and crew members,” the airline added.
Meanwhile, other international carriers, including Emirates, have initiated similar checks as a precaution, despite no new FAA directives.
The FAA has reiterated to global aviation authorities that the design of the fuel control switch remains safe.
With inspections now complete and no mechanical faults identified, Air India and Air India Express have demonstrated timely compliance, prioritising passenger and crew safety above all.
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