Former Minister Questions Singapore Airlines' Response
Mumbai: Praful Patel, a senior leader of the NCP and former Civil Aviation Minister, has expressed his concerns regarding the lack of response from Singapore Airlines following the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad last week.
Singapore Airlines holds a 25.1% stake in Air India, which is operated by the Tata Group, and has representation on its board.
Patel took to social media platform X to voice his disappointment over what he described as a "surprising silence" from Singapore Airlines in the wake of this disaster.
The Boeing 787-8, which was en route to London, crashed shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, resulting in the deaths of 241 individuals on board, with only one survivor. Additionally, 29 people on the ground lost their lives in the incident.
In his post, Patel remarked, "In all the sorrow and din surrounding the Air India crash, there remains a surprising silence – or perhaps ignorance – about the role of a substantial shareholder, and the entity responsible for maintaining a large number, if not all, of Air India’s wide-body aircraft."
Patel further pointed out, "Guess the name: Singapore Airlines. They seem to be in hiding. Let’s not forget – they have a say in management and a codeshare agreement with Air India."
He also highlighted the connection between Singapore Airlines and Air India's leadership, noting that Campbell Wilson, the CEO of Air India, is a nominee from Singapore Airlines and previously led their low-cost subsidiary, Scoot Airlines. Patel questioned, "Why this deafening silence, SQ?"
SQ is the IATA code for Singapore Airlines.
Almost a week after the crash, Singapore Airlines released a statement indicating that it was in "close contact" with Tata Sons.
The airline expressed its deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragic Air India flight AI171 accident, stating, "We have been in close contact with our partner Tata Sons and Air India, and continue to offer our full support and all necessary assistance to them during this difficult time."
Investigations into the crash are being conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India’s internal safety board.
Furthermore, the government has established a high-level committee led by the Union Home Secretary to investigate the incident, with a report due in three months.
