DGCA seeks answers from Boeing after Air India Dreamliner turbine issue

The RAT is designed as an emergency backup system that provides electrical and hydraulic power if primary systems fail. Normally, it should not deploy unless needed, and its activation would be shown on cockpit displays.

Earlier this month, an Air India Boeing 787-8 registered as VT-ANO landed at Birmingham Airport with its RAT deployed. Reports indicate that flight crew were unaware during the flight that this had happened.

Following a fatal crash involving another Air India Dreamliner earlier this year—flight AI 171 in June 2025—crew members have become more vigilant regarding potential malfunctions with these aircraft. Investigators found that both engine fuel control switches were moved to CUTOFF shortly after takeoff on AI 171, shutting down both engines. Cockpit voice recordings revealed confusion among pilots about how or why these switches were set to CUTOFF before being returned to RUN ten seconds later. Other mechanical failures have been ruled out so far.

Air India currently operates 33 Boeing 787s: 26 are -8 variants and seven are -9s. The airline expects delivery of another 20 widebody jets in future years. These aircraft form the core of Air India's long-haul operations.

In addition, Air India recently began a $400 million retrofit program for its Dreamliner fleet as part of broader cabin modernization efforts. The first upgraded aircraft was sent to a Boeing facility in California in July 2025; another will follow in October with both expected back in service by December. Upgrades for all remaining aircraft are scheduled for completion by mid-2027.