India And Japan Intensify Focus On Aviation Safety As Boeing 787 Aircraft Undergo Rigorous Checks After Deadly Crash

Written By: Mohamaya Singh

Mohamaya Singh

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June 16, 2025 5:52 PM

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India and Japan kicked off a rapid and coordinated aviation safety response, demanding full-scale checks in all aircraft fleets of Boeing 787 Dreamliners following a catastrophic crash that raised global alarm. As both countries step up inspection pressure on engines, airframes, and necessary flight equipment, this rapid action shows a high-stakes commitment to protect passenger lives and restore confidence in long-haul flights in response to growing overseas pressure.

India and Japan Launch Urgent Safety Inspections on Boeing 787 Dreamliner Fleets Following Deadly Crash

India and Japan have ordered immediate safety checks across their Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleets in response to the recent crash of a widebody aircraft operated by an Indian carrier. The incident, which occurred just after takeoff and claimed the lives of nearly everyone on board, has triggered swift regulatory action and raised serious concerns about the airworthiness of the twin-engine long-haul aircraft.

As investigations continue into the factors contributing to the crash, aviation authorities in both countries are working to ensure that their fleets meet the highest safety standards. The inspections mark one of the most significant regional reviews of Boeing 787 operations in recent years.

Joint Oversight From India and Japan

On June 13, 2025, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a directive to all domestic operators of Boeing 787s to perform thorough safety inspections. The decision came less than 24 hours after a fatal crash involving a Dreamliner bound for London. The DGCA’s move was mirrored by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), which instructed four Japanese airlines to conduct immediate checks on both the engines and airframes of their 787 fleets.

These Japanese carriers include All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines, and their respective low-cost subsidiaries, AirJapan and ZipAir. The inspections, according to local media reports, will cover key structural and performance components, including engine thrust performance, flap mechanisms, and landing gear systems.

Overview of the 787 Fleet in Both Countries

Combined, India and Japan operate a total of 176 Boeing 787 Dreamliners across a mix of variants, including the 787-8, 787-9, and the newest 787-10.

In India, the aircraft are almost exclusively operated by Air India, which manages a fleet of 34 Dreamliners—27 of the 787-8 variant and 7 of the larger 787-9. These aircraft were inherited and integrated following the national carrier’s merger with another full-service airline that previously operated the type. India’s largest low-cost carrier, IndiGo, does not own any Dreamliners but currently operates one 787-9 under a wet-lease agreement.

Japan, in contrast, has four different operators of the Boeing 787. All Nippon Airways runs the largest fleet, comprising 86 aircraft across all three Dreamliner variants. Japan Airlines follows with a total of 45 Dreamliners, while ZipAir operates 8 units and AirJapan manages 3 aircraft. In total, Japanese carriers operate 142 Boeing 787s, making it one of the largest active Dreamliner fleets globally.

Crash Investigation Focuses on Takeoff Configuration

The incident that triggered the inspections involved a Boeing 787-8 that crashed less than a minute after departure from an Indian international airport en route to London. Initial reports indicate that 241 individuals on board perished in the disaster, with only one survivor rescued from the wreckage. The aircraft also caused fatalities on the ground after impacting a residential area shortly after losing altitude.

While a definitive cause has not been officially declared, early investigative efforts are focusing on a combination of factors. These include possible anomalies in engine thrust levels during takeoff, improper flap settings, and the apparent failure to retract the landing gear. Authorities recovered one of the aircraft’s black boxes—a flight data recorder—within the first 28 hours of the crash, and efforts are underway to retrieve and analyze the cockpit voice recorder.

Modern aircraft are equipped with two black boxes. The flight data recorder logs metrics such as altitude, speed, and engine settings, while the cockpit voice recorder captures in-flight communication and ambient cockpit noise. Together, they are expected to provide crucial insights into what transpired during the short-lived flight.

No Grounding Ordered in the United States

Despite the fatal incident, aviation authorities in the United States have opted not to ground the Boeing 787 fleet. U.S. officials confirmed that based on current evidence and safety data, there is no justification for suspending the aircraft’s operations at this time.

Regulators have reviewed available footage and preliminary data related to the crash, including international advisories, but have found no immediate indicators of a widespread issue that would necessitate grounding the type. However, they emphasized that investigations remain ongoing, and any new findings will be closely monitored.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a next-generation aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and extended range, remains in active service with major airlines worldwide. The aircraft has experienced technical issues in the past, including battery fires and engine reliability concerns, but has maintained a solid safety record overall. The latest crash, however, has placed renewed scrutiny on the model, particularly among regulatory bodies in Asia.

Heightened Attention on Aircraft Reliability

The comprehensive inspections in India and Japan come at a time when the global aviation industry is placing increased emphasis on aircraft reliability and safety transparency. Airlines are under pressure to maintain fleet readiness while also reassuring passengers and regulators about their commitment to safety protocols.

For Boeing, the inspections represent another round of intense oversight following years of regulatory challenges involving various aircraft models. The company has cooperated with authorities in the past and is expected to work closely with carriers and civil aviation agencies in both countries to provide technical guidance and support during the inspection process.

Industry-Wide Implications

The safety reviews of the Boeing 787 in two of Asia’s largest aviation markets may also influence operational decisions by airlines in other parts of the world. While no global directive has been issued to ground the Dreamliner fleet, the growing number of regulatory reviews and incident reports could prompt other aviation authorities to conduct similar internal audits.

India and Japan started immediate and exhaustive checks of fleets of Boeing 787 aircraft following a disastrous crash that has shaken world aviation. It’s a combined effort and solid move toward safety, rebuilding confidence, and addressing increasing concerns about reliability for the Dreamliner.

In the coming weeks, updates from the ongoing investigation into the June 12 crash are expected to provide more clarity on the exact chain of events. Until then, both India and Japan have signaled their intent to proceed with caution and prioritize safety over scheduling or commercial concerns.