Boeing CEO responds after Air India crash

Boeing, the makers of the Air India aircraft – a 787-8 Dreamliner – that crashed shortly after take off, have shared a statement following the horrific tragedy.

Flight 171 was carrying 242 passengers and had just left Ahmedabad airport in India’s west, heading to London’s Gatwick Airport on Thursday, when disaster struck.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal warned the plane was “losing power” just 11 seconds after lift-off but could do nothing to avert the catastrophe.

Among those killed include passengers on the flight, and people who were inside the BJ Medical College and Hospital hostel when the plane crashed into it.

Miraculously, one British man, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived the incident.

His brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, told the BBC Mr Ramesh “has no idea how he survived”.

“We were all in shock as soon as we heard what happened, just utter shock. Speechless,” Nayan said.

“(Vishwashkumar) himself has no idea how he survived, how he got out the plane.

“When he called us he was just more worried about my other brother (who was on the flight), like ‘Find Ajay, find Ajay’. That’s all he cares about at the moment.”

‘Our deepest condolences’

“Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad,” Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said in a statement.

“I have spoken with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to offer our full support, and a Boeing team stands ready to support the investigation led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.”

The plane maker said it is in contact with Air India and stands ready to support them.

Tata Group, which owns Air India, announced it will give 1 crore rupees – the equivalent of around A$179,000 – to the families of each person who was killed in the crash.

It will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and provide support for rebuilding the medical hostel that was hit.

“No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment,” it said in a statement posted on X, external.