After over a billion passengers flown, Air India crash ends Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s fatality-free run

The 787 Dreamliner first flew on December 15, 2009, and entered commercial service on October 26, 2011, with All Nippon Airways. Since then, the aircraft has operated over a billion passenger journeys across continents without a single fatal crash — until the Ahmedabad incident that claimed nearly all 242 lives on board.

Smallest in the Dreamliner family

The Air India aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8, the first and smallest model in the Dreamliner series. The 787-8 typically seats 248 passengers, compared to 296 on the 787-9 and 336 on the 787-10. While the -10 is the largest, it has the shortest range among the three, according to Reuters.

Fleet size and engine details

Air India owns 47 Boeing 787s, part of the 2,500 orders Boeing has secured for the model. Of these, 1,189 aircraft have been delivered so far. The plane that crashed was powered by GE Aerospace engines — one of the two available engine options — and the company has said it will assist the investigation.

A revolution in efficiency and design

According to Reuters, the Dreamliner’s claim to fame was its 20% greater fuel efficiency, enabled by lightweight composite materials and a shift to more electric systems. Its capabilities helped airlines open new point-to-point international routes, challenging older jumbos like the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 and prompting Airbus to launch the A350. The aircraft’s production model involved global outsourcing — a strategy Boeing later admitted had been taken too far.

Boeing statement on fatal crash

Following Thursday’s crash, Boeing said: “We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected.”

No fatalities until Ahmedabad crash

Despite its previously clean record on fatalities, the 787 has had several serious incidents. In 2013, a fire broke out in an Ethiopian Airlines 787 at London Heathrow, traced to a short circuit.

That same year, the entire 787 fleet was briefly grounded due to battery overheating on two Japanese carriers. More recently, in March 2023, 50 people were injured aboard a LATAM 787 after an unexpected dive, linked to a pilot seat malfunction.