City Airlines Inspect Boeing Jets After Fuel System Malfunction Concerns
India’s aviation regulator has directed domestic airlines operating Boeing jets to conduct immediate checks on critical fuel supply switches, following concerns highlighted in a preliminary report on a recent aircraft incident. This mandatory directive underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to air safety and operational integrity, vital for maintaining the reliability of air travel which is a cornerstone of Mumbai’s global connectivity and its trajectory towards a sustainable urban future.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has given airlines until July 21 to complete these inspections and confirm compliance. This directive applies to all India-registered Boeing aircraft and stems from a special airworthiness bulletin issued by its United States counterpart, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), in 2018, which had flagged potential malfunctions in the fuel control switch’s locking system. Currently, only Air India and IndiGo operate the Dreamliner variants in India, with Air India possessing approximately 30 of these aircraft.
The DGCA’s notification follows a preliminary report into the June 12 aircraft incident, where a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport. The report indicated that the control switches, designed to remain immobile unless intentionally operated by the pilot, moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ within a second of each other. This unexpected movement led to the cessation of fuel supply and the simultaneous shutdown of both engines, resulting in a catastrophic outcome.
In the aftermath of the incident, Air India confirmed that the aircraft’s right engine had undergone an overhaul in March, with the left engine also inspected during the same period. Additionally, the aircraft’s Throttle Control Module (TCM), which manages engine power output and includes the fuel control switches, had been replaced twice previously. This level of scrutiny highlights the complex interplay of maintenance, operational procedures, and component reliability in ensuring aviation safety.
The incident has prompted a broader industry response, with major international airlines also advising pilots operating Dreamliners to exercise caution when handling fuel control switches and ordering fleet-wide inspections of the locking mechanisms. These actions, undertaken out of an “abundance of caution,” reflect a collective commitment within the global aviation community to uphold the highest safety standards. For a rapidly urbanising nation like India, ensuring the safety and reliability of its air transport network is paramount for fostering economic growth, facilitating trade, and ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all citizens.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to prevent future occurrences. The proactive stance by the DGCA and the industry’s responsive actions are crucial for maintaining public confidence in air travel. This continuous vigilance and adaptation of safety protocols are fundamental to building a resilient and sustainable aviation sector that supports the interconnectedness of cities and the well-being of their inhabitants.
