The DGCA has cleared the fuel control switch on Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet following pilot reports of potential issues. Detailed testing in Seattle confirmed the mechanism's integrity, though broader technical inspections of the module continue. This update follows intense scrutiny after a major aviation incident last year, keeping fleet safety and maintenance protocols in focus for the airline.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has provided a safety update regarding Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft fleet. The regulator confirmed that extensive testing conducted by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in Seattle found no abnormalities in the locking mechanism of the fuel control switch. This investigation was initiated after an Air India pilot reported concerns regarding the switch following a flight from London Heathrow to Bengaluru on February 2.
OEM Testing and Fleet-Wide Inspections
Following the pilot's report, the aircraft in question was temporarily grounded in Bengaluru for immediate assessment. To ensure airworthiness, the aviation ministry confirmed that the structural integrity of the fuel control switch detents was thoroughly examined. As a precautionary measure, Air India also completed a fleet-wide re-inspection of the fuel control switches across all its operational Boeing 787 aircraft. The airline reported that no technical issues were found during these checks. Despite these findings, a comprehensive technical review of the entire Thrust Control Module is currently continuing at the OEM facility to ensure long-term system reliability.
Historical Context and Safety Scrutiny
The functioning of Dreamliner fuel control systems remains a sensitive subject in the aviation sector due to the investigation into a fatal crash involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 on June 12, 2025. That incident, which occurred during a flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, resulted in the loss of 260 lives. Preliminary findings from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had highlighted a sudden loss of fuel supply to both engines within a one-second interval, creating significant challenges for the flight crew. Because of the gravity of that event, any reports regarding fuel control systems are subject to heightened regulatory oversight and rigorous verification processes.
Investor Monitorables
For investors and stakeholders, the primary focus remains on the operational stability and safety compliance of Air India's fleet. While the specific fuel switch issue has been cleared for now, the ongoing inspection of the Thrust Control Module serves as a reminder of the complex maintenance requirements for long-haul aircraft. Investors may track future updates from the AAIB regarding the broader investigation into the 2025 crash, as well as any further safety directives issued by the DGCA that could impact operational costs or maintenance schedules for the airline's wide-body fleet.