Etihad Launches Boeing 787 Inspections Amid AI 171 Fuel Control Probe
In the wake of the ongoing investigation into Air India flight AI 171, which experienced a fatal incident involving unintended fuel shutoff, Etihad Airways has taken proactive steps to inspect the fuel control switch locking mechanisms across its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.
The Indian aviation regulator DGCA has zeroed in on the fuel control switches as a potential contributing factor in the AI 171 event. According to the findings, the inadvertent shutdown of both engines during taxiing might have been linked to the manipulation of the switches without proper locking safeguards.
As a precautionary measure, Etihad Airways has directed a fleet-wide inspection of these switches to ensure that the locking mechanisms are secure and functionally intact. The move is being seen as a proactive safety measure aligned with global aviation safety best practices.
Etihad operates a sizable fleet of Boeing 787 aircraft, widely regarded for their fuel efficiency and operational range. Ensuring the reliability of cockpit controls is crucial for maintaining the aircraft’s safety standards.
Sources within Etihad confirmed that the inspection does not stem from any malfunction observed within its own operations but is rather a safety assurance initiative in response to global developments.
Boeing Responds to Concerns
While Boeing has not issued a formal service bulletin on the matter as of now, it is reported to be working in coordination with regulatory bodies and airline partners to monitor the situation closely.
The AI 171 investigation, led by India’s DGCA in collaboration with international authorities, continues to scrutinize all operational, mechanical, and procedural aspects of the aircraft’s systems.
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📈 Trending/Indexing Note
This blog rapidly gained traction due to heightened public and regulatory interest following the AI 171 incident, and was indexed within 12 hours of publication on Google. Keywords such as “AI 171 fuel control,” “Etihad 787 inspection,” and “Boeing switch locking mechanism” showed high CTR from aviation safety enthusiasts and industry insiders.
(FAQ) – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1. Why is Etihad inspecting its Boeing 787 fuel control switches?
Etihad is inspecting the switches as a proactive measure after the AI 171 investigation revealed concerns about the fuel control switch locking mechanism possibly contributing to an engine shutdown.
Q2. What exactly happened in the AI 171 incident?
The AI 171 flight experienced an unintentional shutdown of both engines while taxiing, and investigators are focusing on whether fuel switches were accidentally triggered due to inadequate locking systems.
Q3. Is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet at risk?
There’s no current evidence of a widespread issue in Boeing 787 aircraft, but operators like Etihad are taking preventive steps to ensure the fuel switches are secure.
Q4. Has Boeing issued a global directive on this issue?
As of now, Boeing has not issued a directive but is closely working with aviation regulators and affected airlines on monitoring and safety checks.
Q5. Is this inspection likely to impact Etihad’s flight operations?
No flight disruptions are expected. Inspections are being carried out in a scheduled and phased manner to avoid service interruptions.
Published on:July 14,2025
Published by :Selvi
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