SINGAPORE- Former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has raised concerns over Singapore Airlines’ (SQ) apparent silence following the Air India (AI) Boeing 787 crash at Ahmedabad (AMD) last week.
The airline, a 25.1% stakeholder in Air India, has responded stating it is actively supporting Tata Sons and Air India.
The incident involved Air India flight AI171, and while operational responsibility lies with AI, Singapore Airlines’ significant stake and involvement in fleet maintenance and operations brought it under scrutiny.
According to Businessline, SIA clarified its ongoing assistance in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Photo: Singapore Changi AirportSingapore Airlines Response
Singapore Airlines has confirmed that it is in regular communication with both Tata Sons and Air India following the crash of flight AI171 in Ahmedabad.
The airline emphasized its commitment to offering full support and assistance during this critical time.
This clarification came after public remarks by Praful Patel, a Rajya Sabha MP, who questioned why SIA, as a major stakeholder and codeshare partner, had remained silent.
In his social media post, Patel noted that Singapore Airlines is not only a financial stakeholder but also maintains a substantial portion of Air India’s wide-body fleet.
He suggested that SIA’s silence was unexpected given its influence in the airline’s management structure. In reply, Singapore Airlines issued a public statement expressing condolences and reaffirming its collaborative efforts with Tata Sons.
Singapore Airlines’ statement aims to assure the public and regulators that it is actively engaged behind the scenes.
While direct responsibility for flight AI171 lies with Air India, SIA’s operational and strategic integration into the airline has fueled demands for more transparent communication.
This incident has opened broader discussions on the role of foreign stakeholders in Indian carriers and the expectations of accountability, especially in cases involving operational failures or accidents.
Photo: Air IndiaSingapore Airlines’ Role
Singapore Airlines’ involvement with Air India stems from a long-standing partnership with Tata Sons, which began with the launch of Vistara in 2015.
Following Vistara’s merger with Air India in November 2024, SIA secured a 25.1% stake in the unified airline, granting it a significant role in India’s rapidly growing aviation market.
This stake includes influence in management decisions, with SIA’s CEO, Goh Choon Phong, serving on Air India’s board.
Additionally, former SIA executives, including Air India’s current CEO Campbell Wilson, previously of SIA’s low cost carrier Scoot, are actively involved in Air India’s operational and strategic turnaround efforts.
The partnership extends beyond ownership. SIA and Air India maintain an extensive codeshare agreement, expanded in 2024 to cover 11 Indian cities and 40 international destinations, with 56 weekly codeshare flights.
SIAEC also plays a critical role in Air India’s maintenance, particularly for its wide-body fleet, and supports the development of new base maintenance facilities in Bengaluru (BLR).
This deep collaboration underscores SIA’s vested interest in Air India’s success, making Patel’s critique of their silence particularly pointed.
Photo: Siddh Dhuri, Compounded by Aviation A2ZOngoing Investigations
The crash of Air India flight AI171 has prompted India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to order emergency inspections of all Boeing 787 aircraft operated by Indian carriers.
Early investigations suggest a rare dual engine power loss as a potential cause, though the exact reason remains under review.
The DGCA noted that 24 of Air India’s 33 Boeing 787s have completed enhanced safety inspections, with no major safety flaws identified but concerns raised about maintenance and coordination issues.
These findings have intensified scrutiny on SIAEC’s role in maintaining Air India’s fleet.
The tragedy has also cast a shadow over Air India’s ambitious revival plans under Tata Sons’ management, supported by SIA’s investment and expertise.
While Air India earned the International Air Transport Association’s IOSA safety certification in 2024 and introduced new safety protocols, the crash has challenged the fragile confidence in its turnaround.
SIA’s involvement, while strategic, now faces questions about its effectiveness in ensuring operational safety.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
Air India 787 Plane with Around 250 People Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport
The post Singapore Airlines Responds to Air India Crash Criticism appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
