The United Kingdom's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has initiated a regulatory inquiry into Indian carrier Air India after a reported technical malfunction involving the fuel control switch on one of the airline’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. The incident, which occurred on flight AI-132 from London to Bengaluru, has prompted the safety regulator to demand a detailed investigation and explanation from the airline.
According to reports, during the flight, the crew experienced difficulty locking the fuel control switch in the "run" position, with the switch initially refusing to stay engaged. After multiple attempts, the crew was able to secure the switch on the third try, but the event raised operational and safety concerns. In response, the CAA has sent a formal letter to Air India requesting a comprehensive report on the incident.
The airline has been asked to provide a thorough account of all maintenance activities performed on the aircraft involved, highlighting the regulator’s focus on understanding any systemic issues or lapses that may have contributed to the malfunction. The CAA has indicated that failure to deliver an adequate explanation within a seven-day window may trigger enforcement or regulatory measures.
In the immediate aftermath of the event, Air India proactively grounded its entire Boeing 787 fleet as a precautionary step to conduct inspections and ensure the safety and reliability of operations. After completing its internal investigations, the airline reported that no mechanical or technical defects were detected on the aircraft.
This incident adds another layer of scrutiny to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner series, particularly in light of recent high-profile events involving the aircraft type. Notably, a tragic accident last year involved an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight AI-171 departing from Ahmedabad, which crashed shortly after takeoff and resulted in 260 fatalities. That aircraft was destined for London’s Heathrow Airport, underscoring the significance of maintaining stringent safety standards on this model.
Meanwhile, industry watchers observe these developments as Boeing advances its 787 program with upgraded versions of the Dreamliner. The company recently announced enhancements aimed at delivering up to 400 additional miles of flight range or increasing payload capacity by 5 to 6 tons, signaling ongoing efforts to improve aircraft performance and operational efficiency.
Boeing has also secured substantial orders recently, including a notable agreement with Air Cambodia for its largest-ever purchase of single-aisle aircraft. This agreement involves over 20 Boeing 737 MAX jets, complementing an earlier commitment for more than 10 737-8 aircraft, with options for another 10 planes, highlighting Boeing’s continued strong presence in commercial aviation markets.
Furthermore, Boeing’s financial performance supports its market position, as demonstrated in its fourth-quarter earnings report. The company disclosed the delivery of 160 aircraft during that period, generating revenues totaling approximately $23.95 billion, surpassing analyst expectations pegged at $22.47 billion. These results reflect robust demand and execution in Boeing’s manufacturing and sales operations.
As the investigation into the Air India incident unfolds, both airline and regulator will be under close observation regarding their response and transparency. The outcomes may have implications for operational protocols and maintenance practices related to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet in commercial service globally.