Civil Aviation Ministry Asks Airlines To Disclose Details Of Boeing Aircraft, Engine, And Spare Parts Procurement Deals

New Delhi: The Minister of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has reportedly asked all the airlines to share the order details of their procurement deals for aircraft, engines, and spare parts, with a specific focus on transactions involving Boeing. The ministry has asked the airlines to share the details by Monday, with all the details regarding any deals with Boeing. The government's step has come up in the wake of the investigation linked to the tragic incident of Air India's Boeing Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad in June this year. 

In a terrifying incident on June 12, Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, resulting in the loss of around 260 lives. The incident prompted a thorough investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting that the fuel control switches on both engines were transitioned from the ‘Run’ to ‘Cutoff’ position immediately after takeoff, leading to a loss of thrust and subsequent crash.

Trade Tensions And Boeing Deal Suspension

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has asked airlines to submit details of their procurement deals by Monday, specifically seeking information on any transactions with Boeing. It is being stated that the government's direction is a measure to ensure transparency and accountability in the aviation sector, particularly in light of the recent crash and ongoing trade tensions between India and the US.

The Indian government had reportedly suspended the Boeing aircraft purchase deal from the US due to trade tensions, particularly over Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian goods. The Boeing deal suspension was a rebuttal from the Indian government to the US administration, sending a strong message that India won't bow down to Donald Trump's pressure tactics and that the government is committed to the development, growth and empowerment of the Indians. The government's current move is being seen as a cautious approach to reviewing existing procurement deals.

Notably, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has faced several technical issues and controversies in recent years, including concerns about its manufacturing process and safety record. Whistleblowers have alleged that Boeing has taken shortcuts in the production of its 787 and 777 aircraft, which could compromise their safety. These concerns have been worsened by the recent crash, which was also reportedly the first-ever fatal accident involving a 787 Dreamliner.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the crash, and the government has directed airlines to inspect the fuel control switches in their Boeing 737 and 787 fleets. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also called for inspections of the locking mechanisms in fuel control switches, showing an unsafe condition affecting fuel shutoff valves across Boeing aircraft, including the 787 Dreamliner.