In the aftermath of the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which claimed over 270 lives, Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has addressed the situation, emphasizing that the aircraft had a clean history with no prior red flags. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff, impacting a medical college complex.

Chandrasekaran, in an interview on June 18, 2025, expressed his deep sorrow and apologized for the accident. He stated that it was an "extremely difficult situation" and conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims. He assured that the group would provide full support to the affected families during this difficult time and beyond.

Regarding the cause of the crash, Chandrasekaran urged caution, emphasizing the need to await the conclusion of the official investigation. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has already commenced its investigation, and the government has appointed a high-level committee to look into the matter. Preliminary findings are expected to be available in about a month.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Chandrasekaran highlighted that the crashed aircraft had a "clean history," with no prior maintenance issues or safety concerns raised about the Dreamliner fleet. He confirmed that the plane's right engine had been newly installed in March 2025, while the left engine was last serviced in 2023. Furthermore, he explicitly stated that Turkish Technic was not involved in maintaining the aircraft, clarifying earlier speculation. He said that AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) and SIA Engineering Company handle most of the maintenance.

Chandrasekaran also praised the pilots of the flight, emphasizing their exceptional skills and extensive experience. Captain Sabharwal had over 11,500 hours of flying experience, while First Officer Clive (Kundar) had more than 3,400 hours. He cautioned against jumping to conclusions, stressing the need to rely on the investigation's findings.

Acknowledging the disruptions caused by subsequent flight delays and cancellations, Chandrasekaran recognized the need for improved communication with passengers. He mentioned the establishment of a strategic communications team to address these issues. He also confirmed that he had been in contact with senior executives from Boeing and GE, urging them to investigate any potential issues with the aircraft or engines.

In addition to the ongoing investigation, the Tata group is considering establishing a trust to provide further support to the families of the crash victims, beyond the already announced compensation of ₹1 crore to the kin of those who died. Chandrasekaran emphasized that the needs of the families extend beyond financial assistance.