Quantcast

Air India's CEO speech draws comparisons with American Airlines' post-crash address

Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses
Storm Eowyn: Thousands of trains, flights and ferries cancelled as 100mph wind batters UK
Indian carrier long haul: IndiGo returns to profitability, plans long haul flights
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
Dublin Airport savings boost for holidaymakers – but passengers need to be quick
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Indigo Eyes European Market Amid Intensifying Competition with Air India
Air India to operate daily Delhi-Prayagraj flights for Maha Kumbh
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
Air India's CEO speech draws comparisons with American Airlines' post-crash address
Policy
Webp wilson
Campbell Wilson CEO of Air India | Official Website

A week ago, on June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171 crashed shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India. The flight was en route to London Gatwick and operated by a Boeing 787-8. Following the incident, Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, addressed the crash in an online video.

Wilson's initial address provided key facts about the flight, including the number of people onboard and their nationalities. However, his remarks have drawn criticism for being similar to those made by American Airlines CEO Robert Isom after a separate crash earlier this year.

At the start of his address, Wilson stated his intention "to brief you on a serious incident that involved an Air India aircraft a short while ago." He expressed Air India's "deep sorrow about this event," adding that it was "a difficult day for all of us" and emphasized that the airline was "focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families, and loved ones."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Wilson confirmed that the jet carried 230 passengers and 12 crew members: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. Injured passengers were treated in hospital; however, only one survived. He concluded by stating:

"We understand that people are eager for information. Please know that we will continue to share accurate and timely information as soon as we can, but anything we report must be accurate and not speculative. We owe that to everyone involved. For now, our teams are working around the clock to support passengers, crew, and their families as well as investigators however we can."

The speech has been compared to one made by Robert Isom following a crash involving American Airlines Flight 5342 in January. The Economic Times reported accusations of plagiarism against Wilson due to similarities between the speeches. NDTV highlighted phrases used in both addresses such as "I want to brief you on a serious accident." Speculation exists regarding whether AI or consultants influenced both speeches.

Since the crash of Air India Flight 171—the first hull-loss incident involving a Boeing 787—more details have emerged. A viral video filmed by a passenger showed various malfunctions before takeoff on an earlier flight. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg canceled his trip to the Paris Air Show following these developments.

India and Japan ordered inspections of Boeing 787s flown by their airlines; however, the FAA deemed it too early for grounding orders. Inspections at Air India revealed no major concerns with its fleet suggesting an isolated incident. Investigators await further analysis from recovered flight data recorders.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates has expanded its Aircrafted KIDS initiative to the Middle East and North Africa region, starting with the donation of 800 bags to two non-profit organizations in Egypt.

Aug 1, 2025

The Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) has issued a statement on X, urging policymakers to prioritize the ongoing modernization of air traffic control (ATC) systems.

Jul 31, 2025

ITA Airways announced on X that it is extending the suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv through September 30, including the cancellation of flights AZ809 and AZ815 on October 1.

Jul 31, 2025

Emirates has announced on X its plans to launch daily flights from Dubai to Hangzhou, marking an expansion of its network in China.

Jul 31, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced on X that it is now operating twice-daily flights from Juba, South Sudan, to India, enhancing connectivity for travelers.

Jul 31, 2025

Francesco Sciortino will join the Executive Board of Lufthansa Airlines as Hub Manager for Frankfurt starting September 1, 2025.

Jul 31, 2025