Aircraft Overview
The aircraft involved in the tragic Air India Flight AI171 crash on June 12, 2025, was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a state-of-the-art, long-haul, twin-engine jet airliner renowned for its efficiency and passenger comfort. Operated by Air India, this aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was part of the airline's international fleet servicing routes such as Ahmedabad to London Gatwick.
Basic Information
- Manufacturer: The Boeing Company
- Model: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- Registration: VT-ANB
- Age: ~12 years (delivered 2012-2013)
- Operator: Air India (Tata Group)
Technical Specifications
The Boeing 787-8 is the smallest variant of the Dreamliner family, designed for long-range flights with advanced technology to optimize fuel efficiency and performance.
Dimensions
- Length: 57 meters (186 ft 1 in)
- Wingspan: 60.1 meters (197 ft 3 in)
- Height: 17 meters (55 ft 6 in)
Performance
- Capacity: 256 seats (18 business, 238 economy)
- MTOW: 227,930 kg (502,500 lbs)
- Range: 13,620 km (7,355 nm)
- Cruise Speed: Mach 0.85 (~903 km/h)
Propulsion & Fuel
- Engines: 2× GEnx-1B or Trent 1000
- Thrust: 64,000–70,000 lbf each
- Fuel Capacity: 126,206 L (33,340 gal)
- Runway: ~2,538 m (8,327 ft) required
The Boeing 787-8's advanced composite airframe and efficient engines make it approximately 20% more fuel-efficient than older aircraft like the Boeing 767.
Design and Features
The 787-8 incorporates cutting-edge technology to enhance safety, efficiency, and passenger experience:
Construction
Approximately 50% of the airframe is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), reducing weight and improving fuel efficiency compared to traditional aluminum aircraft.
Aerodynamics
Features raked wingtips to minimize drag and enhance lift, contributing to its efficiency.
Avionics
Equipped with a fly-by-wire system and a glass cockpit with large LCD displays for improved pilot situational awareness.
Cabin Environment
Pressurization
Maintains 6,000 ft cabin altitude vs. 8,000 ft to reduce fatigue
Windows
Larger electrochromic windows that dim electronically
Noise Reduction
Advanced sound-dampening materials for quieter cabin
LED Lighting
Mood lighting simulates natural light cycles
Safety Features
Includes redundant systems for hydraulics and electronics, plus advanced fire suppression in cargo holds.
"The Boeing 787 Dreamliner represents a leap forward in aviation technology, blending efficiency with passenger comfort." — Aviation Industry Analyst
Operational History
Delivery
VT-ANB delivered around 2012–2013 as part of 27-aircraft order from 2006
Service
Operated on long-haul international routes with no major prior incidents
Maintenance
Regular checks per DGCA standards, records under investigation
Flight AI171
Ahmedabad–London route, departed 1:38 PM IST June 12, 2025
Condition at Time of Crash
The aircraft was reported airworthy before takeoff, with no flagged issues during pre-flight inspections. It was fully fueled and loaded with 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
Takeoff
Used full 3,505m runway length, standard for hot weather (37°C)
Suspected Issues
Unverified reports suggest flaps at 0°, causing insufficient lift
Flight Data
Max altitude 625 ft at 174 knots, landing gear down
Black Box
One recorder recovered for detailed analysis
Safety Record of Boeing 787-8
Until the AI171 crash, the 787 Dreamliner had no fatal crashes or hull losses since its 2011 debut, with over 1,100 aircraft delivered globally. Minor issues, like 2013 battery overheating, were resolved. The AI171 crash, the first fatal 787 incident, raised concerns about Boeing's quality control.
Investigation Focus
The investigation by India's AAIB, DGCA, NTSB, UK AAIB, and Boeing is examining:
Mechanical Systems
Engines, flaps, landing gear
Flight Control
Fly-by-wire, avionics
Maintenance
Service records
Pilot Inputs
Cockpit voice recorder
