Devastating tragedy threatens carrier’s ambitious turnaround

Days after the destroyed India-171 At least 270 people were killedInvestigators from all over the world achieve their heads together to know the exact mistake. To date, there is no indication of the place where the error lies, and it may take months before we have an answer.

But with the start of the waiting game, the Tata Group – which owns the airline along with other famous brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea – faces a set of unprecedented challenges in a critical turn of the ambitious transformation.

The narration had just begun to change Air India in the period before the tragedy.

In the hands of a new private owner – Tattas bought the airline from the government in 2022 – Air India showed operating profit, better revenues and less customer complaints.

Although the irony about the weak service standards, the delay in the disturbed at home and the delay in flying did not disappear completely, there was an understanding that these were upset transitional problems as the multiple airline was exposed to Complex merging operations To simplify its operations.

Posritorious, improvements began to appear as well; Smile new batches and interiors updated on some aircraft, which are the new A-350S in the fleet spread on the main roads and a record order for new retirement aircraft from old aircraft and the prosperous flight service in India.

After years of neglect when Air India was under the ownership of the state, Tattas said earlier this year that they had begun in the “final climbing phrase” for the transformation of the carrier towards becoming a “world -class airline.”

Last week, a terrible crash was cast on these plans.

“I will never fly India again,” the common abstinence heard among people who dominated panic and fear last week. Although Air India, especially the Dreamliners that I have, has a strong safety record, this knee reaction was expected, as experts say, when a crash occurs in this scale. The loss of this passenger confidence may obstruct the transformation efforts that were already ongoing.

There is a set of other incidents reported this month – including engines that develop suspected technical obstacles and threaten a trick bomb on a plane carrying 156 passengers from Foucape to Delhi – may increase things.

“There will definitely be a short -term effect as people may be cautious about India. The disaster was very tragic, lost many lives and the event will remain in people’s memories for a long time,” said Gityndra Bahrgava, former CEO of ARLINE.

“We are already hearing about canceled reservations,” Shokur Yosov, founder and analyst in Malaysia, told the BBC.

“Air India was a difficult pregnant woman to get around, start, and land from old and financial issues. There will be a need to stop while stopping when it is struggled with the traces of the tragedy and this [the turnaround] It is likely that it takes more time than the administration. “

Mr. Youssouk says that many resources must now be redirected to non -operational issues dealing with the accident, such as insurance, legal damage and reputation in the coming weeks, months and even years.

Drawing similarities with unprecedented Twin tragedies He said that Malaysian Airlines suffered in 2014, and said it took a full contract for the airline to make a profit after these incidents.

He said that Air India will ask for time “to recover” as well, while the feature of exceptional air travel in India “may now go to its competitors.”

I started pressing the operations already appearing. Air India has said it cancels international services on its vast aircraft by 15 % until mid -July amid enhanced safety inspections and high airspace restrictions.

Meanwhile, the investigation – and what it is possible to throw – will continue to accommodate the airline.

With the presence of powers from the United Kingdom, the United States and India, it supervises the various safety inspections and the organizational aspects of the investigation, the airline will be subject to severe global scrutiny, according to Mark Martin, an expert.

“Questions will be asked about operational maintenance and aircraft maintenance issues, and about what Air India has done to fix its old fleet,” he said.

Mitto Samar Jh, whose company provides advice for the risks and reputation of companies and corporate leaders in Mumbai, says the most important step after any crisis is to make a recovery and consistent communication around it. Air India will need to make sure it is not wrong.

She said this is the triple strike for Tatas, who have a difficult job in providing questions on the fleet they inherited after obtaining Air India from the government, for Boeing continuous problems and their maintenance and safety standards.

“Investigations to determine the cause, corrective measures, and reinforced safety standards will be followed soon, but from the reputation lens, I hope you will continue constantly and this is very original.”

Companies often focus a lot on the post -action crisis, but “they fail to update the largest world regularly on progress. This results in the formation of incorrect views and loss of control of narration, which exacerbates the loss of reputation.”

But Air India hopes to be able to move in this crisis from the position of strength.

Campbell Wilson, CEO of the carrier, highlighted the airline’s commitment to cooperation with investigators and support the families of the victims.

Earlier this week, the Chairman of the Tata N Candrasekara Group held a meeting in the city hall with employees asking them to remain in the event of any criticism, according to Reuters. He said that the plane crash last week was the “most tragic” crisis in his career, and the airline must use it as a incentive to build a safer airline.

The BBC Aviation Adviser said that the airline has some “best pilots and engineers” in the world, Sanjay Lazar, the BBC aviation advisor said. In addition, Enhanced safety inspection The Indian organizer should be on all pregnant women 787 Dreamlins supporting the morale of the anxiety passengers.

“History indicates that accidents and emergencies after some, airlines have become super cautious, and this is the human trend. It is like the owner of the house after robbery, adding tons of locks. The airline will follow every comma and stop full in SOP [standard operating procedure]Mr. Lazar said.

Tattas may also feel comfortable with the presence of Singapore Airlines (SIA) as a shareholder and partner – is widely considered one of the best airlines in the world.

Youssov said that Sia may have an effective role in “helping Air India nurse to return to health.”

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