NEW DELHI- Air India (AI) Flight 171 crashed during takeoff from Ahmedabad (AMD), claiming 241 lives aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and killing at least 38 people on the ground.
The tragedy has prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to examine whether the aircraft model should be grounded pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Boeing 787 Grounding
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed grounding concerns during a press conference, stating the action would be “way too premature.”
Reuters reported that Duffy criticised individuals who analysed crash footage through videos and photographs, emphasising that the agency “will follow the facts and put safety first.”
The crash generated widespread speculation due to the aircraft’s apparent controlled descent into a medical school canteen.
The BBC reported that aviation experts suspect the plane’s GEnx engines experienced an extremely rare double failure, despite the absence of visible warning signs.
Heaviest Impact on US Airlines
American Airlines (AA) would face the most severe consequences if the FAA grounds the Dreamliner fleet.
Nearly 1,120 Boeing 787 aircraft worldwide would be removed from service under such a decision.
United Airlines (UA) and American Airlines operate a combined 141 Boeing 787 planes, making them the most vulnerable carriers to potential grounding.
Japan’s Air Nippon Airways (NH) operates the largest 787 fleet globally, though most of their aircraft feature Rolls-Royce Trent engines rather than the General Electric turbofans involved in the crash investigation.
Boeing 787 Historical Precedent
Previous Boeing groundings indicate potential lengthy service disruptions. The Boeing 737 Max remained grounded for 20 months following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. The FAA required Boeing to redesign the MCAS flight stabilisation system and implement comprehensive pilot training programs before lifting restrictions.
The 737 Max crisis cost Boeing over $80 billion through cancelled orders, legal fees, regulatory fines, and victim compensation payments.
Political Considerations
The Trump administration has maintained favourable relations with Boeing in recent months. The Department of Justice reached a nonprosecution agreement with the manufacturer in May regarding fraud charges connected to the 737 Max crashes.
President Trump simultaneously finalised a $96 billion deal with Qatar Airways (QR) for 130 Boeing 787 aircraft deliveries, representing the largest order in the airline’s history.
The lucrative Qatar Airways contract creates potential political pressure against grounding the Dreamliner, as such action could jeopardise the substantial deal and impact Boeing’s financial recovery.
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