Air India Modifies Boeing 787 Fleet After FAA Safety Directive

Air India has initiated a phased modification program for its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. This action directly responds to a safety directive issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The FAA directive targets a potential issue where door assist handles on specific Dreamliner models could detach from their mounting points. Such an occurrence poses a risk of injury to passengers, crew, or maintenance personnel, and could potentially impede emergency evacuations.

Understanding the FAA Directive

The airworthiness directive, released by the FAA earlier this month, specifically covers Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 aircraft. Its primary objective is to prevent injuries during door operations and to avoid delays in emergency exits if a handle malfunctions.

To address this concern, the FAA has mandated several specific actions for airlines operating these aircraft.

Airlines must install redesigned retaining components on support brackets.

They are also required to conduct thorough inspections of door assist handles.

Corrective actions must be performed as necessary based on these inspections.

Finally, identification markings or placards are to be applied on certain assemblies.

Air India’s Dreamliner Fleet

Air India’s fleet includes a significant number of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are now undergoing these necessary changes. The airline has stated that some older Dreamliners have already received the required modifications as a precautionary step.

The carrier operates 35 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in total.

This fleet comprises 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

Additionally, Air India operates 9 Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

The airline’s overall fleet currently stands at 185 aircraft.

Of the 787-9 models, six were integrated into the fleet following the merger with Vistara, while the remaining three were acquired directly by Air India.

Sources familiar with the situation indicate that these modifications are being implemented without affecting current flight operations or compromising passenger safety.

While the exact number of Air India’s Dreamliners specifically impacted by the directive remains unspecified, the airline is reportedly fully aware and compliant with the mandated changes. IndiGo also operates Boeing 787 aircraft, with five leased Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic.

Neither Air India nor Boeing has issued official comments regarding the ongoing modification program, which continues to unfold in phases across the affected fleet.