ADVERTISEMENTs
_page-0001.jpg)
Air India clears Boeing fuel switch inspections
The inspections covered all Boeing 787 aircrafts operated by Air India and Boeing 737s under its low-cost arm Air India Express.
-
Staff Reporter - Tue, 22, Jul 2025
- 14:14 EDT
- 17
Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft VT-ANB is pictured near Malpensa Airport in Milan, Italy, August 19, 2017. / REUTERS/Jan Seba/File Photo
Air India announced on July 22 the completion of precautionary inspections of the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) locking mechanism across its fleet of Boeing aircraft.
The inspection comes after directives issued by India’s aviation regulator to the airline earlier this month following the deadly AI-171 crash which reportedly occurred due to a cut-off in fuel supply to the engines.
The inspections, which covered all Boeing 787 aircraft operated by Air India and Boeing 737s under its low-cost arm Air India Express, revealed no anomalies in the fuel switch systems, the airline said.
“Air India has completed precautionary inspections on the locking mechanism of Fuel Control Switch (FCS) on all Boeing 787 and Boeing 737 aircraft in its fleet,” the airline said in an official statement issued on July 21. “No issues were found with the said locking mechanism. The same has been communicated to the regulator.”
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had issued a directive to Indian carriers after aircraft manufacturer Boeing recommended global checks on the FCS locking mechanism. While the advisory did not indicate an immediate safety risk, the inspections were mandated as a precautionary measure.
The Fuel Control Switch is a critical cockpit component that manages engine fuel supply. Its locking mechanism is designed to prevent unintended movement during flight, which could potentially affect engine operation.
Air India said it had “started voluntary inspections on 12 July and completed them within the prescribed time limit set by the DGCA.” The checks were described as precautionary and included a visual inspection of the locking pin on the FCS to ensure proper installation and functioning.
“Air India remains committed to the safety of passengers and crew members,” the airline stated.
Air India, part of the Tata Group, operates over 140 aircraft, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners on international routes. Air India Express, which merged with AIX Connect earlier this year, flies Boeing 737 narrow-body jets primarily on domestic and regional routes.
Related
 (1).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login