Plane Crash: Deteriorating image after privatisation, now Ahmedabad accident; How difficult is the road ahead for Air India

Air India – Photo: PTI

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India was started in 1932 by entrepreneur JRD Tata. In 1953, the Government of India acquired it. In 2022, the airline’s operations were again taken over in a deal worth $2.2 billion. Now after the Ahmedabad accident, the credibility of the aviation company has suffered a major setback. Let’s know about facts .

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft operated by Air India, one of the country’s largest and most prestigious airlines, crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday June 12, 2025 . The plane was going from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, which crashed moments after takeoff. There were 242 people on board the plane, including crew members. According to officials, there is very little hope of anyone surviving the accident. The Ahmedabad plane crash is like a big setback for Air India amid its deteriorating image in terms of facilities after privatisation. What has the Tata Group done so far to restore the credibility of the aviation company after the removal of the government tag? What is the significance of the Ahmedabad accident? Let us find out the facts .

Plane crash in Ahmedabad. – Photo: PTI

Why is the plane crash a big setback for the airline founded in 1932?

Air India was started in 1932 by entrepreneur JRD Tata. It was taken over by the Government of India in 1953. Under the government, the airline’s debt burden increased due to years of mismanagement and increasing competition. The Tata Group then took over the airline’s operations in 2022 in a $2.2 billion deal. Since then, efforts are being made to bring the airline back to heights. But, the airline’s image has been tarnished from time to time due to questions being raised on its services. The Union Minister himself has questioned the facilities available in the aircraft. Meanwhile, this accident in Ahmedabad is like a big setback for the aviation company. The road ahead from here can be very difficult for the aviation company.

Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad – Photo: ANI

How big is Air India’s fleet, how many flights?

Air India currently flies to 43 domestic and 41 international destinations. As per data till the month of May, it operates 191 aircraft. Its fleet includes narrow and wide body models of both aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing. It is currently the only airline in the country that flies directly to long-haul destinations from Australia to Europe and North America. Its low-cost unit, Air India Express, flies to 55 destinations in India and abroad, with a main focus on the countries of the Middle East.

What is the story of the merger of Air India?

The Tata Group merged Air India and Air India Express with its then existing airlines Vistara and AIX Connect in November. After this, it became India’s largest airline group after Indigo. Air India has also merged with Vistara. Air India Express has merged with AIX Connect. These airlines have a market share of about 30% of India’s domestic aviation market. Singapore Airlines, which launched the full-service airline Vistara in collaboration with Tata, owns 25% in the combined Air India group.

How many aircraft has Air India ordered?

Air India placed the world’s largest order of 470 jets jointly from Airbus and Boeing in February 2023. In December last year, an order for 100 jets was received from Airbus. Reuters reported in early June that Air India is in talks with Airbus and Boeing for a major new aircraft deal. The talks are related to the purchase of 200 additional single-aisle aircraft.

What happened in Air India after privatisation?

After the privatisation of Air India, the airline’s new logo, branding and aircraft livery for the crew were unveiled in mid-2023 at the initiative of the Tata Group. The airline has also started a renovation and retrofitting plan for the interiors of its aircraft at a cost of $400 million. However, the project is stuck due to supply chain problems. The airline has retrofitted most of its single aisle Airbus A320 Neo aircraft and is working on updating its long-range Boeing 777 and 787 jets. The plane crash in Ahmedabad may again derail the Tata Group’s efforts to revive the airline. After this accident, there is a possibility that the airline’s reputation may be badly affected. After this accident, there may be obstacles in the way of timely completion of the repair work being done by the airline company.

Ahmedabad plane crash – Photo: PTI

What are the updates so far after the Air India plane crash?

After the plane crash near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday June 12, 2025 , an official said that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will investigate the Air India plane crash. There were 242 people on board the crashed Air India Dreamliner Boeing 787 aircraft, including 12 crew members. The official said that the Director General of AAIB and other officials including the agency’s investigation director will leave for Ahmedabad sson .

Under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, AAIB is responsible for classifying security incidents related to aircraft operating in Indian airspace as accidents and serious incidents. It conducts a detailed investigation of accidents and also suggests measures to improve safety. Boeing said in a statement, “We are aware of the initial reports and are working to gather more information.” Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu expressed grief over the plane crash and said that he is personally monitoring the situation.

What has Boeing said after the accident?

American aircraft manufacturer Boeing said on this accident that the company is in touch with Air India. Boeing said in a statement, “We are in touch with Air India regarding flight number 171 and are ready to assist them. Our condolences are with the passengers, crew, and all the victims.”