Key Takeaways
- Pilots’ body demands grounding of all Air India Boeing 787s after two technical snags
- Vienna-Delhi flight diverted to Dubai with multiple system failures
- Separate incident involved uncommanded deployment of Ram Air Turbine
- FIP cites “poor serviceability” and declining maintenance standards
The Federation of Indian Pilots has urgently requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to ground Air India’s entire Boeing 787 fleet following two serious technical incidents within a week. In a formal letter to Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, the FIP demanded comprehensive electrical system inspections and a special DGCA audit of the airline’s maintenance practices.
Back-to-Back Technical Incidents
Two separate Air India Boeing 787 aircraft experienced significant technical malfunctions recently. On Thursday, flight AI154 from Vienna to Delhi was diverted to Dubai after developing multiple system failures. Last week, flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham saw an uncommanded deployment of the Ram Air Turbine before landing.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is currently investigating the RAT deployment incident.
Pilots’ Safety Concerns
In their letter, the FIP emphasized that these consecutive incidents demonstrate “poor serviceability” by Air India. The association, representing over 5,500 pilots, specifically called for:
- Immediate grounding of all Air India Boeing 787 aircraft
- Thorough inspection of electrical systems
- Special DGCA audit covering MEL clearances and recurring snags
The pilots’ body noted that technical reliability was higher when government-run AIESL handled aircraft maintenance.
Vienna-Delhi Flight Details
During the Vienna-Delhi diversion, pilots reported being unable to engage autopilot due to electrical malfunctions, forcing manual night flying. The aircraft experienced failures across critical systems including:
- Autopilots and Flight Directors
- Instrument Landing System (ILS)
- Flight Control System with degraded Autoland capability
Air India confirmed the diversion but denied electrical failure claims, stating passenger safety remains their top priority. The aircraft landed safely in Dubai, underwent checks, and continued to Delhi with passengers receiving refreshments during the delay.
Ram Air Turbine Incident
In the separate Amritsar-Birmingham incident, the Ram Air Turbine deployed unexpectedly before landing. While the airline stated all parameters were normal and the landing was safe, the aircraft was grounded in Birmingham for inspection. The return flight to Delhi was consequently cancelled.
The FIP has requested thorough investigations into both incidents, citing increasing frequency of failures that “seriously affect air safety.”
