South Africa tour of India 2019
Singapore Airlines Criticized as Air India Crash Triggers Safety Scrutiny
In the aftermath of the tragic Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed over 240 lives, former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has criticized Singapore Airlines for alleged indifference toward operational risks. The crash has not only sparked mourning but also ignited debates around safety oversight and corporate responsibility in India's aviation sector.
Singapore Airlines, which had recruited several former Air India pilots for its subsidiary Scoot, saw its stock drop by 1.28% a day after the crash. While the crash involved Air India, the scrutiny has spilled over to airlines associated with its operational personnel.
Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has completed a fresh inspection of Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet and reported no significant safety lapses. The regulator confirmed that the aircraft and their maintenance systems were in compliance with existing aviation safety standards, aiming to reassure a concerned public.
Authorities have so far identified 163 victims through DNA testing, and 124 bodies have been returned to families. Of the 71 injured, nine are still under treatment, while two others succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
This incident has reignited calls for a comprehensive review of pilot training, fleet maintenance, and airline partnerships, especially as India’s aviation sector continues to grow rapidly.
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