Why has Etihad issued a Boeing 787 safety directive for pilots?
Business
Newsdesk
14 JUL 2025 | 12:57:02
If you fly often, then this safety update matters. Etihad Airways has issued a fleet-wide safety directive to its Boeing 787 Dreamliner pilots amid the ongoing Air India crash investigation. Reports say the airline has advised its pilots to “exercise caution” when handling the aircraft’s fuel control switches.
Etihad has also asked engineers to inspect the locking mechanism on all 787s in its fleet.
According to an NDTV report, the check involves seeing if the left and right fuel control switches can move between 'CUTOFF' and 'RUN' without lifting the lock. If they can, the locking system is faulty and the Thrust Control Module must be replaced. If not, no action is required.
Etihad has also asked engineers to inspect the locking mechanism on all 787s in its fleet.
According to an NDTV report, the check involves seeing if the left and right fuel control switches can move between 'CUTOFF' and 'RUN' without lifting the lock. If they can, the locking system is faulty and the Thrust Control Module must be replaced. If not, no action is required.
This comes after India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau released a preliminary report into the June 12 Air India Express crash. The probe found that both engines lost thrust seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad, This as the fuel control switches moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’.
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Cockpit audio captured one pilot asking, “Why did you cut off fuel?” The other replied, “I didn’t.”While the investigation in India continues, Etihad’s move is being seen as a precautionary measure.
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Cockpit audio captured one pilot asking, “Why did you cut off fuel?” The other replied, “I didn’t.”While the investigation in India continues, Etihad’s move is being seen as a precautionary measure.
Air India confirms 241 dead in Ahmedabad plane crash
Air India had confirmed that 241 people on board its London-bound flight were killed when the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from the Ahmedabad airport on June 12th .
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft was carrying 242 passengers and crew members. The passengers comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national.
"We regret to inform that of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities," the airline said in a statement issued.
It said the sole survivor is a British national of Indian origin and is being treated in a hospital.
"Air India confirms that flight AI-171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, 2025, was involved in an accident," it said in a statement.
