Mounting concerns over potential electrical faults in Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft have prompted a strong call to action from a leading pilots' organization. Citing recent incidents and persistent worries about the aircraft's electrical systems, the chief of the pilots' body is urging aviation authorities worldwide to ground all B-787s immediately for thorough inspections. This demand amplifies existing anxieties surrounding the safety and reliability of the advanced aircraft.
The call for grounding follows a series of incidents that have raised red flags within the aviation community. Just recently, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner was grounded after a pilot reported a recurring issue with the fuel control switch during engine start-up. The aircraft, scheduled to fly from London Heathrow to Bengaluru as AI 132, was taken out of service after the anomaly was detected. According to Air India, the left fuel control switch failed to remain in the 'run' position, twice moving to 'cutoff'. The airline has reported the matter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and involved Boeing for further investigation. A separate statement from Boeing confirmed their awareness of the situation and their cooperation with Air India in reviewing the matter.
These incidents are not isolated. Back in October 2025, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) called for the grounding of all Boeing 787 Dreamliners in India after two mid-air incidents involving Air India flights. One flight, AI-154 from Vienna to Delhi, was diverted to Dubai due to multiple system failures, including autopilot and flight control malfunctions. Another flight, AI-117 from Amritsar to Birmingham, experienced an unexpected deployment of its Ram Air Turbine (RAT). The FIP urged the DGCA to conduct comprehensive inspections, emphasizing passenger safety risks.
Historically, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has faced similar challenges. In 2013, electrical system problems stemming from lithium-ion batteries led to a global grounding of the fleet. Incidents included electrical fires aboard ANA and Japan Airlines 787s. The FAA ordered a review of the aircraft's design and manufacture, marking the first such grounding since the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 in 1979.
The current concerns echo those earlier issues, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring the electrical systems' integrity in modern aircraft. The pilots' body chief argues that a proactive approach is necessary to prevent potential disasters, emphasizing that passenger and crew safety must be the paramount concern.
While Air India has downplayed some of the incidents, stating that safety remains their top priority and that some issues were not due to system faults or pilot error, the repeated calls for grounding and inspections underscore the need for a thorough and transparent investigation. The aviation industry and regulatory bodies now face the challenge of addressing these concerns and reassuring the public about the safety of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.