Air India has grounded a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner jet after one of its pilots reported a possible defect in the aircraft's fuel control switch.
The airline stated that it informed India's aviation regulator about the issue and that it was prioritizing a review of the pilot’s concerns.
A Boeing spokesperson confirmed their communication with Air India, offering support during the review.
The grounding comes amid an investigation into a crash last June involving another Air India Boeing 787-8, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives.
Though Air India did not specify the issue reported by the pilot, local news sources indicated the concern arose after the plane landed in Bengaluru from London.
The prior crash occurred just after take-off from Ahmedabad airport last year, leading to scrutiny of safety protocols within the airline.
India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is still investigating the crash, with a final report expected in the coming months. Previous reports indicated that the aircraft's engines shut down due to a malfunctioning fuel switch shortly after take-off, but no definitive cause had been established at that time.
Following the release of the preliminary investigation report, investigations into fuel control mechanisms in Boeing aircraft across India were initiated, with Air India previously affirming that inspections had found no critical issues with their fuel control switches.
Air India reiterated that all Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet underwent thorough checks after directives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and no issues were found.
