Air India Crash Update: N Chandrasekaran Reveals One Engine Was Brand New

Last week, a tragic incident occurred involving an Air India flight, AI171, which crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, killing at least 270 people. The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, equipped with two engines—one brand new and the other scheduled for maintenance late this year, according to the airline’s chairman, N Chandrasekaran.

In a recent interview, Chandrasekaran mentioned that both engines had good operational histories. The right engine was newly installed in March 2025 while the left one was serviced just last year, due for its next checks in December 2025. Investigators are currently analyzing recovery data from the aircraft’s black boxes to better understand what went wrong during the flight.

Experts like Kishore Chinta, a former investigator with India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, have weighed in on the situation. He stated that the engine’s condition should not solely be judged by its age, especially among advanced engines like the Genx-1B used in the Boeing 787-8. These engines utilize a sophisticated monitoring system called Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which continuously checks their performance. This means that safety checks and potential repairs depend on the data provided, rather than a fixed schedule.

Chinta emphasized that parts known as Life Limited Parts (LLPs) have a defined lifespan, normally between 15,000 and 20,000 cycles. “Every start and switch-off counts as a cycle,” he explained, highlighting that an engine can still perform poorly regardless of its age.

As investigations continue, Air India is taking proactive steps, announcing a 15% reduction in its international flights using wide-body aircraft until mid-July. This decision comes amid enhanced safety measures, heightened staff vigilance, and concerns about tensions in the Middle East. The airline has already completed inspections on most of its Boeing 787 fleet, ensuring that safety remains the top priority.

The impact of the crash is likely to influence Air India’s ongoing transformation from state-owned to privately operated. Tata Sons, the conglomerate that purchased the airline in 2022, is committed to restoring its reputation amid these challenges. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in aviation safety and the need for rigorous maintenance protocols.

For more information on aviation safety standards and regulations, you can visit the [FAA’s official website](https://www.faa.gov/). Staying updated can help you understand the measures taken to ensure air travel safety.

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