Air India Boeing 787 Under Scrutiny Again

(School Assembly News – October 7, 2025)

Recently, Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft has once again come under the scanner of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after a mid-air incident raised questions about its safety systems. Though all passengers and crew members are safe, the event has sparked discussions about the importance of aircraft maintenance, safety standards, and regular checks.

The Incident

During a routine international flight, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operated by Air India, reportedly experienced an unexpected activation of a system known as the Ram Air Turbine (RAT). This small propeller-like device is designed to automatically deploy only in emergencies—such as when both engines lose power or when the main electrical system fails.

However, in this case, it deployed even though the flight continued normally, which prompted safety officials to take immediate notice. The aircraft continued its journey safely and landed without any harm to the passengers. After the landing, the DGCA ordered a detailed technical inspection to find out why the RAT deployed unexpectedly.

What is the Ram Air Turbine (RAT)?

The Ram Air Turbine is a small but crucial emergency system in modern aircraft. When all else fails—such as the main power systems—it generates essential electrical power and hydraulic pressure using the flow of air. It ensures that basic systems like flight controls and communications continue working even in a power failure.

Normally, the RAT never deploys during regular operations. Its sudden activation therefore signaled a potential fault in the aircraft’s control or safety monitoring systems, which is why it immediately drew regulatory attention.

DGCA’s Role and Response

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is India’s aviation safety regulator. After receiving the incident report, it ordered a full inspection of the concerned Boeing 787 and instructed Air India to check other aircraft of the same type in its fleet.

DGCA also contacted Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, to share data and analysis from the flight recorders. According to sources, DGCA wants to ensure that the problem is not part of a larger technical or design issue.

Safety officers have said that even though the incident did not cause any harm, such technical warnings must be taken seriously, because they help prevent major accidents in the future.

Air India’s Response

Air India released a statement confirming that the flight landed safely and that no passengers or crew members were injured. The airline added that it was fully cooperating with DGCA’s inspection process.

The statement said:

“Passenger safety is our top priority. We have grounded the aircraft for a complete technical check and are working closely with our maintenance and safety teams to identify the cause.”

Air India also reassured travelers that all Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet undergo regular maintenance and safety inspections in compliance with international standards.

Boeing’s Reaction

The American aircraft manufacturer Boeing has been facing global scrutiny over several safety concerns in recent years. A few of its models, including the 737 MAX and the 787 Dreamliner, have previously faced temporary groundings or checks after technical faults were reported by airlines around the world.

In this case, Boeing engineers are assisting Indian authorities and Air India’s maintenance team to determine whether the issue was caused by a technical glitch, sensor fault, or software malfunction. Boeing also said that so far, there is no indication of a major systemic issue affecting the 787 Dreamliner.

Why the Boeing 787 Matters

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is one of the most advanced commercial aircraft in the world. It uses lightweight composite materials, consumes less fuel, and offers better comfort for passengers.

Air India operates more than two dozen 787s, which fly on long international routes such as London, New York, Frankfurt, and Sydney. Because of its wide use, any potential issue involving the Dreamliner has global importance. Ensuring its safety is vital for the airline industry as well as for passengers who depend on these aircraft for long-distance travel.

Aviation Safety and Public Confidence

Aviation is considered one of the safest modes of transportation. Incidents like this are rare, and the fact that the aircraft landed safely shows how multiple backup systems work together to protect lives.

However, every technical alert—no matter how small—is treated seriously by regulators. That is why DGCA and Boeing’s joint investigation aims to identify even the tiniest irregularities.

When airlines respond transparently and quickly to such issues, it builds public confidence and reassures passengers that safety always comes first.

Global Context

This is not the first time Air India or other global airlines have faced such technical checks. Over the past few years, similar RAT deployments and sensor malfunctions have been reported in other Boeing aircraft around the world.

In each case, regulators conducted detailed inspections, and airlines implemented corrective actions to ensure that future flights operate smoothly. Such reviews are part of a continuous safety improvement process that keeps modern aviation reliable.

Experts’ Opinions

Aviation experts and pilots’ associations have also welcomed DGCA’s proactive approach. They say that such events highlight the need for constant monitoring and maintenance upgrades.

According to Captain Ramesh Singh, a retired Air India pilot:

“The 787 Dreamliner is an excellent aircraft, but like all advanced technology, it requires continuous monitoring and quick corrective action. India’s aviation safety record is strong, and this investigation will only make it stronger.”

Experts also note that as aircraft become more computerized, the need for regular software updates and system diagnostics becomes just as important as mechanical inspections.

What Happens Next

The DGCA’s investigation team will analyze flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) information to understand the exact sequence of events. Based on the findings, it may issue safety recommendations or maintenance directives for Air India and other airlines operating the same model.

If necessary, Boeing may release updated service bulletins or software patches to prevent recurrence. The concerned aircraft will remain grounded until engineers confirm it is completely safe to fly again.

Lessons from the Incident

This incident offers several key lessons for both the aviation industry and the public:

1. Safety systems work: The aircraft handled the issue without any harm, showing the effectiveness of multiple backup systems.
2. Transparency builds trust: By reporting and investigating openly, Air India and DGCA help maintain public confidence.
3. Technology needs care: Advanced aircraft require regular updates and maintenance to ensure long-term reliability.
4. Continuous learning: Each investigation adds to global aviation knowledge, helping make future flights even safer.