New Delhi: In a major development, Air India seeks ₹10K crore financial support from its owners Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines as it battles turbulence on multiple fronts, including the tragic Ahmedabad air crash and recent airspace restrictions linked to India-Pakistan tensions.
According to a Bloomberg report, the national carrier’s request includes funds to upgrade its systems, enhance in-flight services, and establish in-house engineering and maintenance departments. The move is aimed at bolstering operational safety and ensuring long-term financial stability amid growing aviation pressures.
While Air India has yet to issue an official statement, sources suggest that the airline is pushing for an urgent infusion of capital to offset estimated losses of ₹4,000 crore caused by Pakistan’s airspace closure.
Currently, the Tata Group holds a 74.9% stake in Air India, while Singapore Airlines owns the remaining share. Both stakeholders are reportedly reviewing the proposal and exploring strategic options to support the airline’s recovery plan.
Air India’s Managing Director and CEO, Campbell Wilson, recently addressed the crash investigation at the Aviation India 2025 summit, noting that the preliminary Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report found no fault in Air India’s operational procedures or maintenance practices.
“There was nothing wrong with our aircraft engines or operational systems that required changing,” Wilson stated. “However, we continue to introspect, review, and improve every process to ensure safety and excellence.”
The comments followed the tragic AI-171 crash on June 12, where a Boeing 787 Dreamliner flying from Ahmedabad to London went down shortly after takeoff, killing 241 people and leaving only one survivor.
The AAIB’s interim findings, released on July 12, confirmed that a fuel supply cutoff to both engines led to the fatal incident. Despite the setback, the airline remains focused on reform and recovery.
As Air India seeks ₹10,000 crore financial support, the move underscores the airline’s determination to rebuild confidence, strengthen its infrastructure, and steer through one of the toughest phases in its history.
–IANS
