 "Then-Boeing India President Dinesh Keskar (C) poses in front of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for All Nippon Airways (ANA) after its India debut landing at the Indira Gandhi international airport in New Delhi, July 13, 2011. File Image/Reuters")
An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating as flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff on Wednesday afternoon, reportedly killing all 242 people on board.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft issued a “MAYDAY” distress signal moments after departing from Runway 23 at 1:39 pm IST, but lost contact with air traffic control (ATC) shortly thereafter.
The passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
The crash site near the airport perimeter was engulfed in smoke, with emergency teams, fire services, and recovery units mobilised for rescue and investigation.
Authorities confirmed that the last recorded communication from the cockpit was the emergency “MAYDAY” call.
The aircraft involved belonged to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner family, a long-haul, wide-body, twin-engine jet developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Launched in 2004 and entering service in 2011, the 787 was designed for fuel efficiency and advanced composite material usage.
Air India was among the earliest carriers in Asia to induct the Dreamliner, receiving its first 787-8 in 2012.
We take a look at the iconic Dreamliner, in graphics:
The DGCA and civil aviation ministry have initiated an investigation into the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed top officials to oversee relief operations and ensure all assistance is provided to affected families.