Ahmedabad: The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed moments after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12 had last undergone a comprehensive maintenance check in June 2023 and was due for the next scheduled inspection in December 2025, officials familiar with the matter said on Saturday, June 14.
The tragic crash, which killed 241 of the 242 passengers and crew on board and flattened part of the BJ Medical College’s residential quarters, has now triggered a safety audit of similar aircraft in the airline’s fleet.
Engines Recently Overhauled, Say Officials
According to PTI officials revealed that the aircraft, tail number VT-ANB, was powered by twin GEnx engines built by GE Aerospace. The right engine was reportedly overhauled and installed as recently as March 2025, and the left engine underwent inspection as per protocol in April 2025.
The comprehensive C-checks, which are deep maintenance procedures typically carried out every 18–24 months, were last performed by Air India Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) in June 2023.
“The aircraft was in good operational condition. There were no flagged issues with either engine or the airframe,” said one official, on condition of anonymity.
There has been no official statement yet from Air India regarding the crash or the aircraft’s maintenance history.
DGCA Orders Fleet-Wide Safety Checks
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered enhanced safety inspections across Air India’s Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleet. On Saturday, the airline said checks have already been completed on nine of its 33 Dreamliners, which include 26 of the older 787-8 model and seven 787-9s.
GE Aerospace, the engine manufacturer, said it “supports the action being taken” by the DGCA and is “committed to providing all technical support necessary” to help determine the cause of the crash.
Meanwhile, former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel weighed in, suggesting the Tata-owned airline must now “fine-tune” its approach to running a world-class carrier, including maintenance practices.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a full probe, alongside a multi-disciplinary committee formed to assess all contributing factors behind the deadly crash.
