Air India Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson publicly addressed the devastating crash of Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad, which occurred on June 12 and resulted in 260 fatalities. Wilson characterized the incident as a significant tragedy that has prompted the airline to undertake a comprehensive review of its safety and operational practices. He emphasized the airline's full cooperation with the ongoing investigation by authorities and highlighted that efforts are underway to strengthen safety protocols.
During his appearance at the Aviation India 2025 conference in New Delhi, Wilson reaffirmed Air India's expansion strategy, mentioning the continued acquisition of a new aircraft approximately every six days over the next three to four years as part of its modernization initiatives. The preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau indicated no faults in the aircraft's engines or internal procedures but acknowledged an incident of fuel cutoff shortly after takeoff, which investigators are still analyzing.
The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, resulted in only one survivor among the 260 onboard, including passengers, crew, and ground personnel. Wilson reflected on the incident's role in prompting a reassessment of safety measures within the airline, underscoring a commitment to ongoing safety improvements to prevent future tragedies and ensure passenger security.
