Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran Breaks Silence On The AI 171 Crash, Says Aircraft Had A… News24 –
N. Chandrasekharan, Tata Sons and Air India Chairman publicly apologised on Wednesday for the tragic Air India plane crash that killed over 270 people. In an exclusive interview with Times Now, he called the situation ‘extremely difficult’ and expressed deep regret over the tragedy. Meanwhile, he offered full support to the grieving families, stating, “I have no words to express to console any of the families of those who died. I feel very sorry. All we can do is to be with the families at this time, grieve with them, and we will do everything to support them at this hour and beyond.”
“Clean History, No Red Flags”
On being asked about the reason for the AI-171 crash, Chandrasekaran said that it would take time until investigations are completed and preliminary investigations are out. Meanwhile, he clarified that Al171 had a ‘clean history’ and that no red flags had been raised. “There are speculations about human error, speculations about airlines, speculations about engines, maintenance, all kinds,” Chandrasekaran added.
He has also addressed the speculations and experience of the Cockpit Crew, stating “the fact that I know so far is this particular aircraft, this specific tail, Al-171 has a clean history. As for the engines, the right engine was a new engine put in March 2025. The left engine was last serviced in 2023 and is due for its next maintenance check in December 2025. Both engine histories are clean. Both pilots were exceptional.”
He noted that Captain Sabharwal had over 11,500 hours of flying experience, while the first officer, Clive Kundar’s had flying experience beyond 3400 hours. Amid public concerns, he said that we have to wait for the ‘black box and recorders’ to tell the tale.
Chandrasekaran On DGCA’s Past Show-Cause Notices
On being questioned about the fines levied for delays on the airlines, the show-cause notices, and operational matters, Chandrasekaran said that they were not related to the Al-171. He claimed, “These are different from safety issues. If there is a safety issue, there is no way the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) will allow us to fly. And concerning this specific aircraft, what I have seen is what I have told you.”
Tata Sons Chairman Denies Turkish Link
The Tata Sons Chairman also explained the allegations concerning the Turkish link, clarifying that none of the 33 Boeing 787 Dreamliners are serviced by Turkish Technic and that they are maintained either by AIESL or SIA Engineering Company.”
Chandrasekaran Responds To Praful Patel’s Criticism
Meanwhile, he also responded to Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel’s criticism of Singapore Airlines. He said that they have been a great partner and a helper. On the Union Minister’s claim regarding the Singapore Airlines’ CEO, he said, “CEO is not a nominee of Singapore Airlines. In fact, when the CEO was hired by me, he had to quit Singapore Airlines and join Air India as an employee. And that time, Singapore Airlines did not have a stake. We owned 100% of Air India. And then when the Vistara merger happened, with Singapore Airlines, with Air India, then Singapore Airlines got their 25% stake. So he’s not a nominee of Singapore Airlines.”
Speaking to Navika Kumar, Chandrasekhar also responded to criticism in light of the absence of the AI officials at the funerals of its crew members who were killed in the crash.
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