Search Results for787-8
Air India’s B787-9 Interiors: A New Era of Quiet Luxury and Heritage-Inspired Serenity Aloft
Air India has unveiled the bespoke cabin interiors of its inaugural line-fit Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registration VT-AWA—a milestone in the airline’s Vihaan.AI transformation that heralds refined long-haul elegance. Delivered on 11 January 2026 directly from Boeing’s Everett facility, this aircraft enters service on Mumbai-Frankfurt routes from 1 February, with its custom design poised to grace the entire 787 fleet by mid-2027. Key highlights at a glance Entirely new three‑class cabin interiors styled exclusively for Air India. 296 seats: 30 Business, 28 Premium Economy, 238 Economy. Bluetooth headphone pairing available at every seat. Wireless charging pads in Business Class suites. New mood lighting inspired by ancient Indian chakra‑based wellness traditions. Same interior standard to roll out across the entire 787 fleet by mid‑2027. A new Dreamliner designed for Air India This is Air India’s first “line‑fit” Boeing 787‑9, meaning the custom interiors were installed directly on Boeing’s production line rather than retrofitted later. It is also the first widebody delivered from the airline’s record 470‑aircraft order signed three years ago, underlining a renewed focus on product and passenger experience. An Exquisite Three-Cabin Symphony Crafted in collaboration with JPA Design, the interiors weave a palette of soft creams, warm golds, blush pinks, and regal purples—evoking India’s timeless artistry through tactile finishes and subtle jaali motifs. Across 296 seats in Business, Premium Economy, and Economy, Thales AVANT Up delivers crystalline 4K QLED screens, Bluetooth headphone pairing, and USB-C power at every berth. Cabin Configuration Seats Pitch & Bedding Screen Signature Touches Business Suites 1-2-1 30 42″ / 79″ fully flat bed 17″ 4K QLED Privacy doors, wireless charging, jaali lamp Premium Economy 2-3-2 28 38″ / 7″ recline + legrest 13.3″ 4K QLED Dedicated cabin, calf rests, bottle holders Economy 3-3-3 238 31-32″ / 5″ recline 11.6″ 4K QLED Ergonomic RECARO, enhanced contours Business Class: Sanctuaries of Discreet Opulence The 30 forward suites, arrayed in reverse herringbone 1-2-1, cocoon passengers in sliding-door privacy and direct-aisle intimacy. Each transforms into a 79-inch flat bed or chaise, graced with height-adjustable armrests, a luminous vanity alcove, and a feature lamp etched in Air India’s intricate jaali lattice—a nod to Mughal heritage. Wireless charging, dual-port power, and an expansive IFE handset ensure seamless connectivity amid ambient serenity. Premium Economy: Elevated Poise for the Discerning This intimate 2-3-2 enclave of 28 RECARO PL3530 seats offers 38-inch expanses, six-way headrest articulation, and bespoke calf-leg rests—ideal for the sophisticate seeking refinement without excess. Thirteen-inch HDR screens and intuitive stowage elevate the long-haul reverie, distinct from adjoining cabins. Economy: Artful Comfort, Thoughtfully Scaled Two hundred thirty-eight lightweight RECARO CL3710 seats in 3-3-3 array prioritise ergonomic grace, with 31-32-inch pitches, five-inch recline, and 11.6-inch vivid displays. Initially, 220 seats open for reservation, blending accessibility with polish. Chakra-Inspired Luminary Rituals In partnership with Tata Elxsi, Air India introduces 10 bespoke mood-lighting scenes drawn from ancient chakra wisdom—vital energy centres balancing body, mind, and spirit. These circadian-aligned illuminations, from restorative ambers to invigorating dawns, foster melatonin harmony and jet-lag reprieve, infusing flights with holistic wellness. A Fleet Transformed, Horizons Redrawn CEO Campbell Wilson deems VT-AWA the first aircraft “designed by and for Air India,” from its Elevate Ascent suites to crew rests and galleys. Nineteen sibling 787-9s will follow suit, while 26 legacy 787-8s undergo retrofit—the vanguard returning imminently. This elevates Air India’s global posture, merging heritage warmth with cutting-edge sanctuary, for travellers who demand the extraordinary as standard. Fleet‑wide rollout: what this means for travellers VT‑AWA is just the beginning. Nineteen additional line‑fit Boeing 787‑9s will join the fleet with the same interior specification, while all 26 existing Boeing 787‑8s are being retrofitted to match. The first refurbished aircraft is expected back in service soon, with the full 787 upgrade programme set to complete by mid‑2027. For travellers, this means: Increasingly consistent cabins across Air India’s long‑haul network. Modern Business Class suites with doors on more routes. Widespread Bluetooth audio, 4K IFE, USB‑C power and improved seating in every cabin. As the airline’s Vihaan.AI strategy progresses, the new Boeing 787‑9 interiors are a clear signal that Air India aims to compete head‑on with established global full‑service carriers in both comfort and design.
Air India unveils custom interiors for new B787-9
Air India has introduced custom-styled cabin interiors for its first line-fit Boeing 787-9 aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its Vihaan.AI transformation programme. The aircraft, registered as VT-AWA, was delivered on 11 January 2026 and will commence commercial service between Mumbai and Frankfurt on 1 February 2026. The new interiors, designed in collaboration with JPA Design, reflect Air India's revitalised global brand identity. The cabins feature a harmonious palette of soft creams, pinks, reds, warm golds, and rich purples, creating a sensorial experience of quiet luxury and contemporary Indian identity. The Business Class cabin includes 30 luxurious suites with features such as Bluetooth headphone pairing and wireless charging, whilst Premium Economy and Economy Class offer enhanced comfort and state-of-the-art inflight entertainment systems. Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, stated, “The arrival of this new Boeing 787-9, the first production widebody from the 470 aircraft-strong order signed three years ago, is a significant moment in Air India’s 5-year Vihaan.AI transformation programme.” The new cabin interiors will be standard across Air India's Boeing 787 fleet, with 19 more production aircraft and all 26 existing Boeing 787-8 aircraft being retrofitted. The retrofit programme is underway, with the first upgraded aircraft expected to return to service soon and the remainder by mid-2027. Air India's transformation efforts continue to position it as a world-class global airline, with plans for further fleet expansion and infrastructure development, including a new flying school and maintenance base. ```
Air India Welcomes First Boeing 787-9 as A350-1000 Deliveries Loom in Record Fleet Renewal
Air India has taken delivery of its first factory-fresh Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking a key milestone in the flag carrier’s widebody renewal and its historic order for 470 new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing. The jet, registered VT-AWA, is the first of 20 787-9s ordered in 2023 and will pave the way for more Dreamliners and the airline’s first Airbus A350-1000s to join the fleet later this year. First Line-Fit 787-9 Arrives in Delhi The new 787-9 completed a nearly 17-hour delivery flight from Boeing’s Everett factory in Washington state before touching down at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. It is Air India’s first “line-fit” 787-9, built from the ground up to the airline’s own cabin specification rather than inherited or retrofitted from another operator. Configured with 296 seats across three cabins – business, premium economy and economy – the Dreamliner debuts “bespoke cabin interiors” installed directly on the Boeing production line, with full details of the new products to be revealed in the coming weeks. Commercial long-haul operations are expected to begin in February 2026 on an as-yet undisclosed international route. Part of a 470-Aircraft Megadeal The 787-9 delivery forms part of Air India’s landmark order for 470 aircraft, comprising 250 Airbus jets and 220 Boeing jets, announced as one of the largest deals in civil aviation history. The widebody element includes 20 Boeing 787-9s, 10 Boeing 777-9s, six Airbus A350-900s and 34 Airbus A350-1000s, aimed at transforming the carrier’s long-haul product and expanding its global network. According to Air India, 2026 will see a total of six new widebody deliveries – a mix of 787-9s and A350-1000s – including the newly arrived VT-AWA. These aircraft will progressively replace older widebodies and support new nonstop routes between India and key markets in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Upgraded Cabins Across the 787 Fleet Alongside new deliveries, Air India is in the midst of a major retrofit program for its existing 787-8 fleet. The airline currently operates 26 787-8s and six 787-9s inherited from Vistara, with “many of these aircraft” due to receive new cabins broadly aligned with the standard debuting on VT-AWA by the end of 2026. The retrofit project, part of a wider US$400 million product investment, will introduce updated business, premium economy and economy seats, new inflight entertainment systems, refreshed interiors and onboard Wi‑Fi across the long-haul fleet. Air India aims to complete the 787-8 cabin upgrades by mid-2027, followed by similar work on its Boeing 777-300ERs. What This Means for Air India Passengers For passengers, the arrival of the first factory-fresh 787-9 signals a tangible step forward in Air India’s transformation from legacy flag carrier to modern global network airline. Travellers can expect more consistent cabins across the Dreamliner fleet, a stronger premium economy offering and improved reliability as newer aircraft replace older types on high-demand routes. With more 787-9s and the first A350-1000s scheduled to join the fleet later this year, Air India’s long-haul product is set for one of its most significant upgrades in decades – a shift that will be closely watched by frequent flyers across India’s rapidly growing international market.
Royal Jordanian ranks second in on-time performance
Royal Jordanian Airlines has been recognised for its exceptional punctuality, ranking second in on-time performance across the Middle East and Africa for 2025. According to a report by Cirium, a global aviation analytics firm, the airline achieved a performance rate exceeding 90%, placing it among the top five airlines worldwide for on-time arrivals. This accolade highlights the efficiency and discipline of Royal Jordanian's operational system, which has maintained high standards despite regional challenges. Vice Chairman and CEO Samer Majali attributed this success to the integrated efforts of the airline's workforce, who deliver services with professionalism. "Maintaining this advanced performance level is a national responsibility," Majali stated, emphasising the airline's commitment to investing in its people and enhancing operational performance. The Cirium report, based on a year-long analysis of operational data from hundreds of airlines globally, underscores the credibility of Royal Jordanian's ranking. This achievement not only reinforces the airline's reputation but also strengthens Jordan's position on the global aviation map. Founded in 1963, Royal Jordanian Airlines operates a modern fleet, including Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners and Airbus A320neo, connecting Jordan to over 55 destinations worldwide. As a member of the oneworld alliance, the airline offers access to nearly 900 destinations globally, continuing to innovate and expand its services to meet the evolving needs of travellers. ```
Qatar Airways equips Boeing 787 with Starlink Wi-Fi
Qatar Airways has become the first airline globally to equip its Boeing 787-8 aircraft with Starlink, marking a significant milestone in aviation connectivity. The airline has also completed the installation of Starlink across its Airbus A350 fleet, achieving this feat in just eight months by December 2025. This advancement brings the total number of Starlink-connected widebody aircraft in Qatar Airways' fleet to nearly 120, offering passengers ultra-fast Wi-Fi on routes spanning six continents. The rollout of Starlink on Qatar Airways' fleet is the fastest and most ambitious in global aviation history. Within 14 months, the airline completed the installation on its Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft and has now expanded to the Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This positions Qatar Airways as a leader in long-haul and ultra-long-haul connectivity, with over 11 million passengers already benefiting from the service since its launch in October 2024. Passengers on nearly 120 widebody aircraft, which account for over 58% of Qatar Airways' fleet, can now enjoy high-speed connectivity at up to 500 Mbps. This allows for uninterrupted streaming, video calls, and real-time productivity, surpassing many home broadband networks. The airline is extending this service across an increasing number of routes, including flights to the Americas, Australia, and prominent routes in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Qatar Airways' commitment to enhancing passenger experience is evident in its pioneering efforts to integrate Starlink technology, reinforcing its reputation as the world's best airline. The airline continues to lead the industry with the largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet, offering unmatched connectivity and convenience for travellers worldwide. ```
Air India to resume operations to mainland China with non-stop flights to Shanghai from February 2026
Air India announced the resumption of its non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai (PVG), effective 01 February 2026, marking Air India’s return to mainland China after nearly six years. Subject to the requisite regulatory approvals, Air India also intends to introduce non-stop flights between Mumbai and Shanghai in 2026. Shanghai is the 48th international destination to be served by Air India group, which continues to carry more passengers internationally than any other airline in India. Air India will operate four times a week between Delhi and Shanghai using its twin-aisle Boeing 787-8 aircraft, featuring 18 flat beds in Business Class and 238 spacious seats in Economy Class. The reinstatement of Air India’s services to Shanghai follows recent India-China diplomatic agreements that restored the air links paused in early 2020. Air India first launched non-stop services to mainland China in October 2000. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “The resumption of our Delhi-Shanghai services is more than a route launch. It is a bridge between two great, ancient civilisations and modern economic powerhouses. At Air India, we are happy to reconnect one of the world’s most vital air corridors, enabling travellers to pursue opportunities in business, trade, healthcare, education and culture with the comfort and warm Indian hospitality that define Air India.” SCHEDULE OF FLIGHTS BETWEEN DELHI (DEL) AND SHANGHAI (PVG) Effective 01 February 2026 Flight # Sector Departure Arrival Days of Operation AI352 Delhi-Shanghai 1200 Hrs 2020 Hrs Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays AI351 Shanghai-Delhi 2200 Hrs 0315 Hrs+1 Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays All times are indicated in local time zones. +1indicates next day arrival. The restored air link is expected to further boost exchanges in pharmaceuticals, technology, education, and several other spheres. Bookings for Air India’s flights between Delhi and Shanghai are being progressively opened on all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centres, and through travel agents worldwide.
Air India completes first phase of legacy retrofit programme
Air India announced the successful completion of the retrofit programme for its legacy A320neo fleet, with the final of 27 aircraft returning to service with brand-new cabin interiors and in the airline’s vibrant new livery. With these, combined with 14 newly delivered A320neo aircraft and those integrated following the merger of Vistara into Air India, the airline now operates 104 A320 Family aircraft, featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors. Commenced in September 2024 as part of a broader $400 million initiative to modernise Air India’s entire legacy fleet, the retrofit programme for all 27 legacy A320neo aircraft has been completed within a record one-year time frame Air India completes the retrofit of its legacy A320neo fleet Now operating 3,024 flights per week with new or upgraded cabin interiors With 104 A320 Family aircraft featuring new or upgraded interiors, Air India now operates 3,024 weekly flights across 82 domestic and short-haul international routes: Domestic India routes: All flights on the busiest domestic routes such as Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Hyderabad, Delhi-Bengaluru, Delhi-Kolkata, Delhi-Chennai, Mumbai-Bengaluru, Mumbai-Hyderabad, Mumbai-Chennai and Mumbai-Kolkata, in addition to many others. Short-haul international routes: All flights to and from Bangkok, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Bali (Denpasar), Manila, Mauritius, Malé (Maldives), Riyadh, Jeddah, and most flights to and from Singapore. Transformed cabin for enhanced comfort The retrofit programme for the 27 A320neo involved equipping all aircraft with modern cabin interiors, each in a three-class cabin configuration, ensuring a consistent, world-class inflight experience. This includes the installation of: 3,564 new Economy Class seats 648 new Premium Economy Class seats 216 new Business Class seats 450+ metres of premium leather and 15,000+ metres of fabric 5,000+ square metres of carpet, enhancing cabin aesthetics and comfort 8,000+ kg of paint, to repaint the legacy aircraft in Air India’s bold new livery All seats come with USB-A and USB-C ports, enabling travellers to keep their personal electronic devices charged. This also helps them in accessing ‘Vista Stream’, Air India’s on-board inflight entertainment streaming service, which offers close to 900 hours of global cinematic content on personal devices. Air India has been consistently recording a high Net Promoter Score (NPS) of close to ranging between 45 and 50 points each month for its narrowbody aircraft operations. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “We continue to make good progress on the upgradation of our fleet. With over 100 of our A320 Family aircraft now featuring modern interiors, our guests will enjoy a superior travel experience across our extensive network.” Air India's retrofitted A320 in the new Star Alliance livery As we mark the end of the first phase of our narrowbody retrofit, we remain committed to elevating passenger experience and offering cabin products of global standards to our guests.” Retrofit of other aircraft in progress Starting 2026, Air India will be retrofitting 13 legacy A321 aircraft. These aircraft are being sequenced for refit and new livery together with the erstwhile Vistara fleet over the next year. Air India also commenced the widebody retrofit programme for its legacy B787-8 aircraft, with the first of 26 aircraft (VT-ANT) having flown to a Boeing facility in Victorville, California (United States) in July 2025. The programme, now on a steady schedule for completion by mid-2027, will introduce brand-new interiors featuring a three-class configuration with Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class seats. Starting in early 2027, Air India will additionally retrofit 13 of its legacy Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, aiming for completion by October 2028, with the timeline having shifted due to supply chain delays.
Air Canada’s London – Ottawa flights continue through Winter 2025-26
Air Canada has announced its London Heathrow to Ottawa non-stop flights will continue for Winter 2025-26, ensuring year-round connectivity between the United Kingdom's largest airport and Canada's capital city. Flights are available for booking now at aircanada.com, through Air Canada Contact Centres, and via travel agents. "Air Canada continues to solidify its leadership serving our country's capital and we are excited to keep Ottawa connected to one of the world’s most important global gateways all year long. We can’t wait to welcome you onboard our flights this winter and beyond,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo, at Air Canada. “In today’s global landscape, strong connections between Canada’s Capital Region and strategic markets like the United Kingdom are more vital than ever. Air Canada’s decision to extend its Heathrow - Ottawa service through the winter is great news - it reflects the airline’s confidence in our region, its deep commitment to Ottawa-Gatineau, and its role as a leading international carrier” said Susan Margles, President and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority. “This move is a win for travellers, businesses, and our entire community.” “Air Canada’s expanded network is more than new destinations - it’s about strengthening Canada’s connections to the world. Most Canadian air cargo travels in the belly of passenger planes, which means every new route also opens a new trade corridor for Canadian goods. The extension of the London - Ottawa service will give Canadian businesses faster and more reliable access to the UK and Europe, supporting our exporters, driving investment, and creating good jobs here at home. Stronger connectivity in the skies means stronger growth on the ground - and ensures Canada remains a leader in the global economy,” stated The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade. In addition to its London Heathrow route, Air Canada will operate over 450 weekly flights to and from Ottawa this winter across a range of regional, domestic, international and transborder flights. London Heathrow - Ottawa schedule: Flight From To Depart Arrive Days of Operation Winter Season* AC 889 London Heathrow (LHR) Ottawa (YOW) 12:00 14:30 Wed, Fri, Sun Nov. 2, 2025-Mar. 27, 2026 AC 888 Ottawa (YOW) London Heathrow (LHR) 21:55 09:20 +1 day Wed, Fri, Sun Nov. 2, 2025-Mar. 27, 2026
American Airlines to Connect Prague with Philadelphia
Václav Havel Airport Prague will expand its long-haul flight offer to North America. American Airlines will launch operation on a direct route between Prague and Philadelphia next year. The regular seasonal service will be operated daily from 21 May to 5 October 2026. American Airlines will deploy the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft on the route. “Operation of the direct service between Prague and Philadelphia was among our priorities. We are therefore very pleased about our successful partnership with American Airlines; this was also thanks to the coordinated support and cooperation with our partners. This route represents one of the milestones in our strategy of developing long-haul flights and strengthening direct connections between the Czech Republic and North America. We firmly believe that the route will be successful and beneficial for both Czech passengers and tourists and business travellers heading to Prague. We greatly appreciate the cooperation with American Airlines and look forward to the launch of the direct connection,” said Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board of Directors. The direct service to Philadelphia will offer passengers a quick connection to one of American Airlines’ main hubs on the East Coast of the USA, as well as convenient connecting flights to more than 100 other destinations across North America. The flight from Philadelphia International Airport is scheduled to depart at 6:40 p.m. local time and arrive in Prague at 8:45 a.m. the following day. The return flight from Prague will depart at 11:00 a.m. with arrival in Philadelphia at 2:00 p.m. local time “The customer demand for flights to and from cities rich in culture continues to grow. We’re increasingly seeing customers flock to cities they can step back in time, exploring history and culture beyond anything experienced before,” said José A. Freig, Vice President – International and Inflight Dining Operations. “With this route, our customers in the Czech Republic will also have access to one of our fastest growing U.S. hubs in Philadelphia, from where they can explore more than 100 destinations in the U.S. and beyond.” The launch of direct flights between Prague and Philadelphia was supported not only by the standard Prague Airport incentive program, but also by marketing campaigns implemented on the US market in cooperation between Prague Airport and the key tourism industry stakeholders, CzechTourism and Prague City Tourism, as well as by coordination of activities within the working group on direct air connections to the U.S., whose additional members were representatives of the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Czech embassy in the USA.
Air India Crash Update: Fuel switches turned off just before impact
Part of the doomed plane lies in the crash site and is looked over by the authorities (AP Photo) Current as of 10:45am, BKK; this is an ongoing story and Travel Daily Media will update when new information is available. The results of the preliminary investigation into the deadly crash of Air India Flight 171 on 12th June show that the aircraft's fuel switches had been set to the cutoff position just before impact. According to a report from the Associated Press (AP) updated at 12:11am BKK today, 13th July, investigators noted that the fuel control switches of the ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner were moved from the “run” to the “cutoff” position, depriving its engines of fuel. In turn, this led to a loss of engine thrust soon after the plane took off. The Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) pointed out that there was confusion on the part of both pilots regarding the changed settings. This graphic from Australia's ABC News shows how it is unlikely that the fuel switches were turned off accidentally What we know so far The Air India flight lasted around 30 seconds between takeoff and impact. Per the report, once the Dreamliner hit its top recorded speed: “Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another.” This unusual situation occurred in mere seconds, but the initial report made no mention as to how the switches could have flipped to the cutoff position during the flight. Indeed, Australian experts speaking with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)’s news bureau pointed out how unlikely it was that the shift was accidental. Australian International Pilots Association (AIPA) technical director and 737 pilot Steve Cornell declared: "It's not the situation where you would just both be sitting there very quietly. It'll be a very busy time trying to work out what had happened and trying to fix it." Cornell and other experts say that it is impossible to flip or even bump into these switches by accident. Boeing engineers designed the fuel switches with a locking mechanism that prevents inadvertent movement. Unlike the aircraft’s thrust levers, the fuel control switches are not connected to the plane's autopilot function. That also means it is highly unlikely that the plane could have somehow malfunctioned and automatically flipped the switches to the cutoff setting. Cornell said: "The only thing that can affect their position is something that we do as pilots.” Another Australian aviation expert, Keith Tonkin, concurred with this, saying: "It means that almost certainly, one of the pilots, who would be the only people able to access those switches, has made the decision to physically switch the fuel off to the engines.” This supposition is chilling as it raises the possibility that the crash may have been a deliberate move on the part of one of the pilots. Firefighters hose down the smouldering wreckage of Air India Flight 171 (Reuters) Indian expert theorises that this was no accident Invited to comment for Indian news network NDTV on Saturday, 12th July, just as the initial findings were released, one of the country’s leading aviation experts posited the theory of deliberate human action Mohan Ranganathan called the public’s attention towards the sequence of fuel cutoff switches and cockpit audio, giving weight to the possibility that the crash may have stemmed from deliberate actions taken in the cockpit, potentially even suicide. Ranganathan explained, essentially echoing the statements of his Australian peers: "It has to be manually done. It cannot be done automatically or due to a power failure because the fuel selectors are not the sliding type. They are designed to stay in a slot, and you have to pull them out to move them up or down. So, the possibility of inadvertently moving them to the OFF position doesn't arise. It's definitely a case of deliberate manual selection to move it to OFF." He went on to say that there is no other possible explanation, given current findings, as to why both the fuel switches were moved to the OFF position just after takeoff and just as the engines began rotating. Ranganathan also pointed out a dialogue between the pilots captured by the aircraft’s audio recorder: “According to the cockpit voice recorder, one pilot asks, 'Why did you do it?' and the other pilot responds, 'I did not do it.' This is where the report shows some discrepancies," Indian authorities, however, have asked the public to refrain from jumping to further conclusions pending the ongoing investigation which could run till the end of the year. Civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu went so far as to say: “I don't think we should jump into any conclusions over this. I believe we have the most wonderful workforce of pilots and crew in the whole world. I have to appreciate all the efforts the pilots and crew of the country are putting; they are the backbone of civil aviation. They are the primary resource of civil aviation. We care for the welfare and well-being of the pilots also. So let us not jump into any conclusions at this stage and wait for the final report,” A member of the Air India ground staff joins a prayer service in memory of those lost in the crash (AP Photo) More questions than answers In addition to the details regarding the fuel switches, the report also pointed out that Air India Flight 171 was nearly 5,000kg under the maximum take-off weight, still within permissible limits. Likewise, no dangerous goods were noted on the aircraft, and there was no significant avian activity within the vicinity of the flight path that could have put bird strikes as a potential factor. Given the current results, the AAIB also stated that there are presently no recommended actions involving Boeing and/or GE engine operators and manufacturers. But for the families left behind by those who perished in the crash, the initial report brings no comfort. Speaking with the BBC, Imtiyaz Ali who lost his brother, sister-in-law, and their two children was disappointed, referring to the way the report was presented as more like a product description. Ali said: "Other than the pilots' final conversation, there's nothing in it that really points to what caused the crash. This matters to us; we want to know exactly what happened. It won't change anything for us now, we continue grieving just as we have since that day. But at least we'll have some answers." For now, alas, the results of the investigation have raised more questions than answers, questions that we may not see answered until the end of the investigation.
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