Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson on Friday said that the airline would not operate any flight “Where there is any doubt."
In an email to the employees Wilson said, “The additional pre-flight checks we are doing reduces the number of hours aircraft are available to operate, which – also considering the extra flight time arising from new airspace closures in the Middle East, on top of the Pakistan closure - is why we have... [decided] to reduce the amount of flying over the coming weeks. We will progressively restore when the time is right.”
Speaking about the crash, Wilson said Air India will continue to support the families of the deceased and those who have been affected by the tragedy.
The Email further read, “Around 500 colleagues from Air India and 17 other Tata companies remain in Ahmedabad to help the families of passengers, crew and those on the ground. Progress is being made, together with the authorities, on reconciling families with their loved ones, and as of this morning more than 200 have received some degree of solace and closure."
“This is equally true for those of our colleagues, who we will support in the same way. You may have read social media commentary on the perceived lack of visibility of Air India at the services held for our colleagues. I can assure you that we have had senior representation at each and every one. We are, however, taking care that our presence does not cause disruption at a time so important for families and loved ones, as a matter of respect," the official communication read.
Assuring transparency during the probe he said, “If there is any discovery during the investigation that suggests the airline or suppliers need to change something urgently, we have confidence that such information would be shared quickly. For our part, we will be transparent with what is shared with us.”
