New Delhi: Air India’s international aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner involved in the Ahmedabad-London crash, are maintained by AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL). AIESL is India’s largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) company and is responsible for heavy and base maintenance, including comprehensive checks (such as C checks) on wide-body aircraft like the B787. AIESL is DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), FAA, and EASA approved, and provides maintenance for multiple aircraft types and components, including engines, landing gear, avionics, and airframes.
Was There an OK (Maintenance) Report Before the Ahmedabad-London Flight?
- The crashed Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (registration VT-ANB) underwent its last comprehensive “C check” in June 2023, performed by AIESL, and was next due for such a check in December 2025.
- The right engine was overhauled and installed in March 2025, and the left engine was inspected as per manufacturer protocols in April 2025.
- Airline officials stated there were no reported issues with the engines or the aircraft prior to the crash, and all maintenance was up-to-date according to schedule.
- There is no public evidence of a last-minute defect or maintenance shortcoming immediately before the flight. However, investigators are reviewing all maintenance and fault history documentation, including technical logs and pilot-reported issues, as part of the ongoing crash investigation.
Other Relevant Details
- Regulatory Oversight and Inspections: Following the crash, India’s aviation regulator DGCA ordered enhanced safety checks on Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet. As of June 17, 2025, 24 out of 33 Dreamliners had passed these inspections, and the DGCA found no major safety concerns, declaring the aircraft and maintenance systems compliant with current standards.
- Crash Details: The aircraft crashed less than a minute after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of 242 onboard and at least 38 people on the ground. The crew issued a mayday call reporting loss of power and thrust shortly after takeoff.
- Ongoing Investigation: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, with assistance from UK, US, and Boeing experts, is analyzing black box data and maintenance records to determine the cause. Investigators are scrutinizing possible issues with engines, fuel supply, flaps, and maintenance oversight.
- Flight Cancellations and Safety Measures: In the aftermath, Air India cancelled numerous international flights, especially those using Boeing 787s, due to additional precautionary checks and airspace restrictions. The Ahmedabad-London flight was specifically cancelled on June 17, 2025, because of aircraft unavailability and extended turnaround times, not due to a new technical snag.
- Maintenance Training and Future Plans: Air India is investing in a new Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) and a large MRO facility in Bengaluru to further strengthen its in-house maintenance capabilities and workforce.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Maintenance Provider | AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) |
| Last Major Check | C check in June 2023, next due December 2025 |
| Engine Overhaul/Inspection | Right engine: March 2025 (overhauled); Left engine: April 2025 (inspected) |
| Pre-flight Maintenance | No reported issues; all checks up-to-date; records under investigation |
| Regulatory Review | DGCA found no major safety concerns in post-crash fleet inspections |
| Flight Cancellations | Due to aircraft unavailability and precautionary checks, not new technical faults |
| Ongoing Investigation | AAIB, DGCA, Boeing, UK & US experts analyzing black boxes, maintenance logs, and systems |
Air India’s international aircraft are maintained by AIESL, with the crashed aircraft having passed all scheduled maintenance and inspections before the Ahmedabad-London flight. No immediate maintenance issues were reported before the crash, and ongoing investigations are thoroughly reviewing all technical and maintenance records to determine the cause.
