Air India crash probe far from over, CEO says
The memo, reviewed by Reuters, comes after the report depicted confusion in the cockpit shortly before the crash of the Boeing Dreamliner in June that killed 260 people.
It said the plane's engine fuel cut-off switches flipped almost simultaneously and starved the engines of fuel.
"The release of the preliminary report marked the point at which we, along with the world, began receiving additional details about what took place. Unsurprisingly, it provided both greater clarity and opened additional questions," the memo said.
Wilson added: "The preliminary report identified no cause nor made any recommendations, so I urge everyone to avoid drawing premature conclusions as the investigation is far from over."
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London from the Indian city of Ahmedabad began to lose thrust and sink shortly after take-off, according to the report released by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The memo said the preliminary report found no mechanical or maintenance faults and that all required maintenance had been carried out.
The preliminary report, released on Saturday, suggested no immediate action for Boeing or GE, whose engines were fitted on to the aircraft.
The AAIB, an office under India's civil aviation ministry, is leading the probe into the crash, which killed all but one of the 242 people on board and 19 others on the ground.
Air India has come under heightened scrutiny on multiple fronts following the crash.
On July 4, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency said it would investigate budget unit Air India Express, after a Reuters report revealed the airline failed to promptly replace engine parts on an Airbus A320 as mandated, and falsified records to indicate compliance.
ALPA India, which represents Indian pilots at the Montreal-based International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations, rejected the presumption of pilot error in the Ahmedabad crash and called for a "fair, fact-based inquiry".
"The pilots body must now be made part of the probe, at least as observers," ALPA India President Sam Thomas told Reuters on Sunday.
The probe into the crash of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad is far from over and it is unwise to jump to any premature conclusions, airline CEO Campbell Wilson says in an internal memo after the release of a preliminary report by investigators.
The memo, reviewed by Reuters, comes after the report depicted confusion in the cockpit shortly before the crash of the Boeing Dreamliner in June that killed 260 people.
It said the plane's engine fuel cut-off switches flipped almost simultaneously and starved the engines of fuel.
"The release of the preliminary report marked the point at which we, along with the world, began receiving additional details about what took place. Unsurprisingly, it provided both greater clarity and opened additional questions," the memo said.
Wilson added: "The preliminary report identified no cause nor made any recommendations, so I urge everyone to avoid drawing premature conclusions as the investigation is far from over."
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London from the Indian city of Ahmedabad began to lose thrust and sink shortly after take-off, according to the report released by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The memo said the preliminary report found no mechanical or maintenance faults and that all required maintenance had been carried out.
The preliminary report, released on Saturday, suggested no immediate action for Boeing or GE, whose engines were fitted on to the aircraft.
The AAIB, an office under India's civil aviation ministry, is leading the probe into the crash, which killed all but one of the 242 people on board and 19 others on the ground.
Air India has come under heightened scrutiny on multiple fronts following the crash.
On July 4, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency said it would investigate budget unit Air India Express, after a Reuters report revealed the airline failed to promptly replace engine parts on an Airbus A320 as mandated, and falsified records to indicate compliance.
ALPA India, which represents Indian pilots at the Montreal-based International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations, rejected the presumption of pilot error in the Ahmedabad crash and called for a "fair, fact-based inquiry".
"The pilots body must now be made part of the probe, at least as observers," ALPA India President Sam Thomas told Reuters on Sunday.
The probe into the crash of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad is far from over and it is unwise to jump to any premature conclusions, airline CEO Campbell Wilson says in an internal memo after the release of a preliminary report by investigators.
The memo, reviewed by Reuters, comes after the report depicted confusion in the cockpit shortly before the crash of the Boeing Dreamliner in June that killed 260 people.
It said the plane's engine fuel cut-off switches flipped almost simultaneously and starved the engines of fuel.
"The release of the preliminary report marked the point at which we, along with the world, began receiving additional details about what took place. Unsurprisingly, it provided both greater clarity and opened additional questions," the memo said.
Wilson added: "The preliminary report identified no cause nor made any recommendations, so I urge everyone to avoid drawing premature conclusions as the investigation is far from over."
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London from the Indian city of Ahmedabad began to lose thrust and sink shortly after take-off, according to the report released by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The memo said the preliminary report found no mechanical or maintenance faults and that all required maintenance had been carried out.
The preliminary report, released on Saturday, suggested no immediate action for Boeing or GE, whose engines were fitted on to the aircraft.
The AAIB, an office under India's civil aviation ministry, is leading the probe into the crash, which killed all but one of the 242 people on board and 19 others on the ground.
Air India has come under heightened scrutiny on multiple fronts following the crash.
On July 4, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency said it would investigate budget unit Air India Express, after a Reuters report revealed the airline failed to promptly replace engine parts on an Airbus A320 as mandated, and falsified records to indicate compliance.
ALPA India, which represents Indian pilots at the Montreal-based International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations, rejected the presumption of pilot error in the Ahmedabad crash and called for a "fair, fact-based inquiry".
"The pilots body must now be made part of the probe, at least as observers," ALPA India President Sam Thomas told Reuters on Sunday.
The probe into the crash of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad is far from over and it is unwise to jump to any premature conclusions, airline CEO Campbell Wilson says in an internal memo after the release of a preliminary report by investigators.
The memo, reviewed by Reuters, comes after the report depicted confusion in the cockpit shortly before the crash of the Boeing Dreamliner in June that killed 260 people.
It said the plane's engine fuel cut-off switches flipped almost simultaneously and starved the engines of fuel.
"The release of the preliminary report marked the point at which we, along with the world, began receiving additional details about what took place. Unsurprisingly, it provided both greater clarity and opened additional questions," the memo said.
Wilson added: "The preliminary report identified no cause nor made any recommendations, so I urge everyone to avoid drawing premature conclusions as the investigation is far from over."
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London from the Indian city of Ahmedabad began to lose thrust and sink shortly after take-off, according to the report released by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The memo said the preliminary report found no mechanical or maintenance faults and that all required maintenance had been carried out.
The preliminary report, released on Saturday, suggested no immediate action for Boeing or GE, whose engines were fitted on to the aircraft.
The AAIB, an office under India's civil aviation ministry, is leading the probe into the crash, which killed all but one of the 242 people on board and 19 others on the ground.
Air India has come under heightened scrutiny on multiple fronts following the crash.
On July 4, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency said it would investigate budget unit Air India Express, after a Reuters report revealed the airline failed to promptly replace engine parts on an Airbus A320 as mandated, and falsified records to indicate compliance.
ALPA India, which represents Indian pilots at the Montreal-based International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations, rejected the presumption of pilot error in the Ahmedabad crash and called for a "fair, fact-based inquiry".
"The pilots body must now be made part of the probe, at least as observers," ALPA India President Sam Thomas told Reuters on Sunday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Perth Now
Major airline drops huge sale, new route
Jetstar is celebrating its expansion into the Philippines with the launch of two direct routes from Brisbane and Perth, with flights starting at $188. From November 27, the budget airline will offer year-round flights direct from Perth to the Manila, with seasonal flights direct from Brisbane to Cebu launching from December 3. Starting at midday Tuesday, Jetstar will offer sale one-way fares from Brisbane to Cebu from $188, and one-way fares from Perth to Manila from $199. The sale for tickets for Brisbane to Cebu will end at 12pm on July 16, while the discounted fares from Perth to Manila will end on Friday July 18 unless sold out prior and excluding checked bags. Jetstar will debut its new services to the Philippines from November. NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar Credit: NCA NewsWire The services will operate three times a week, using the new Airbus A321LR aircraft, which the airline said is quieter and more fuel-efficient. As part of the expansion, Jetstar will redeploy its wide-bodied Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the state-of-the-art Airbus A321LR and A320neo aircraft. The expansion into the Philippines is an 'exciting milestone' for the airline, Jetstar Group chief executive Stephanie Tully said. 'From the pristine beaches of Cebu to the vibrant energy of Manila, these new routes offer greater value options for an overseas holiday,' she said. 'As demand for low-cost international travel continues to grow, our pipeline of new aircraft is helping us deliver even more low fares to new destinations – so our customers can take off more, for less.' The airline has launched a sale as part of its expansion. NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui Credit: News Corp Australia Brisbane Airport chief executive officer Gert-Jan de Graaff said the new flight path 'strengthens important ties for Queensland's large Filipino community' and makes it easier for families to reconnect 'while boosting trade and business between two regions'. 'We know Queenslanders love to experience new destinations and Cebu will deliver in spades with gorgeous islands and people, rich Spanish colonial history, and vibrant street food culture, it is a tropical getaway waiting to be discovered,' he said. 'This new route marks Brisbane Airport's 34th direct international connection, which is the most ever, continuing our commitment to expanding travel opportunities and bringing the world closer to Queensland.'
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
China's Q2 GDP growth of 5.2 per cent tops forecast
China's economy has grown at a slightly faster pace than expected in the second quarter, showing resilience in the face of US tariffs, though analysts warn of intensifying headwinds that will ramp up pressure on policymakers to roll out more stimulus. The world's number two economy has so far avoided a sharp slowdown in part due to a fragile US-China trade truce and policy support, but markets are bracing for a weaker second half as exports lose momentum, prices continue to fall, and consumer confidence remains low. Data on Tuesday showed China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.2 per cent in the April-June quarter from a year earlier, slowing from 5.4 per cent in the first quarter, but just ahead of analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a rise of 5.1 per cent. "China achieved growth above the official target of five per cent in Q2 partly because of front loading of exports," said Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management. "The above target growth in Q1 and Q2 give the government room to tolerate some slowdown in the second half of the year." On a quarterly basis, GDP grew 1.1 per cent in April-June, the National Bureau of Statistics data showed, compared with a forecast 0.9 per cent increase and a 1.2 per cent gain in the previous quarter. Investors are closely watching for signs of fresh stimulus at the upcoming Politburo meeting due in late July, which is likely to shape economic policy for the remainder of the year. Beijing has ramped up infrastructure spending and consumer subsidies, alongside steady monetary easing. In May, the central bank cut interest rates and injected liquidity as part of broader efforts to cushion the economy from US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs. Further monetary easing is expected in the coming months, while some analysts believe the government could ramp up deficit spending if growth slows sharply. But China observers and analysts say stimulus alone may not be enough to tackle entrenched deflationary pressures, with producer prices in June falling at their fastest pace in nearly two years. Data on Monday showed China's exports regained some momentum in June while imports rebounded, as factories rushed out shipments to capitalise on a fragile tariff truce between Beijing and Washington ahead of a looming August deadline. China is aiming for full-year growth of around five per cent. The latest Reuters poll projected GDP growth to slow to 4.5 per cent in the third quarter and 4.0 per cent in the fourth, underscoring mounting economic headwinds as US President Donald Trump's global trade war leaves Beijing with the tough task of getting households to spend more at a time of uncertainty. June activity data also released on Tuesday painted a mixed picture - industrial output grew 6.8 per cent year-on-year in June, quickening from the 5.8 per cent pace in May and beating forecasts, but retail sales growth slowed down. Fixed-asset investment grew 2.8 per cent in the first six months from a year earlier, slowing from 3.7 per cent in January-May and missing analysts' forecast of 3.6 per cent. China's economy has grown at a slightly faster pace than expected in the second quarter, showing resilience in the face of US tariffs, though analysts warn of intensifying headwinds that will ramp up pressure on policymakers to roll out more stimulus. The world's number two economy has so far avoided a sharp slowdown in part due to a fragile US-China trade truce and policy support, but markets are bracing for a weaker second half as exports lose momentum, prices continue to fall, and consumer confidence remains low. Data on Tuesday showed China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.2 per cent in the April-June quarter from a year earlier, slowing from 5.4 per cent in the first quarter, but just ahead of analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a rise of 5.1 per cent. "China achieved growth above the official target of five per cent in Q2 partly because of front loading of exports," said Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management. "The above target growth in Q1 and Q2 give the government room to tolerate some slowdown in the second half of the year." On a quarterly basis, GDP grew 1.1 per cent in April-June, the National Bureau of Statistics data showed, compared with a forecast 0.9 per cent increase and a 1.2 per cent gain in the previous quarter. Investors are closely watching for signs of fresh stimulus at the upcoming Politburo meeting due in late July, which is likely to shape economic policy for the remainder of the year. Beijing has ramped up infrastructure spending and consumer subsidies, alongside steady monetary easing. In May, the central bank cut interest rates and injected liquidity as part of broader efforts to cushion the economy from US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs. Further monetary easing is expected in the coming months, while some analysts believe the government could ramp up deficit spending if growth slows sharply. But China observers and analysts say stimulus alone may not be enough to tackle entrenched deflationary pressures, with producer prices in June falling at their fastest pace in nearly two years. Data on Monday showed China's exports regained some momentum in June while imports rebounded, as factories rushed out shipments to capitalise on a fragile tariff truce between Beijing and Washington ahead of a looming August deadline. China is aiming for full-year growth of around five per cent. The latest Reuters poll projected GDP growth to slow to 4.5 per cent in the third quarter and 4.0 per cent in the fourth, underscoring mounting economic headwinds as US President Donald Trump's global trade war leaves Beijing with the tough task of getting households to spend more at a time of uncertainty. June activity data also released on Tuesday painted a mixed picture - industrial output grew 6.8 per cent year-on-year in June, quickening from the 5.8 per cent pace in May and beating forecasts, but retail sales growth slowed down. Fixed-asset investment grew 2.8 per cent in the first six months from a year earlier, slowing from 3.7 per cent in January-May and missing analysts' forecast of 3.6 per cent. China's economy has grown at a slightly faster pace than expected in the second quarter, showing resilience in the face of US tariffs, though analysts warn of intensifying headwinds that will ramp up pressure on policymakers to roll out more stimulus. The world's number two economy has so far avoided a sharp slowdown in part due to a fragile US-China trade truce and policy support, but markets are bracing for a weaker second half as exports lose momentum, prices continue to fall, and consumer confidence remains low. Data on Tuesday showed China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.2 per cent in the April-June quarter from a year earlier, slowing from 5.4 per cent in the first quarter, but just ahead of analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a rise of 5.1 per cent. "China achieved growth above the official target of five per cent in Q2 partly because of front loading of exports," said Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management. "The above target growth in Q1 and Q2 give the government room to tolerate some slowdown in the second half of the year." On a quarterly basis, GDP grew 1.1 per cent in April-June, the National Bureau of Statistics data showed, compared with a forecast 0.9 per cent increase and a 1.2 per cent gain in the previous quarter. Investors are closely watching for signs of fresh stimulus at the upcoming Politburo meeting due in late July, which is likely to shape economic policy for the remainder of the year. Beijing has ramped up infrastructure spending and consumer subsidies, alongside steady monetary easing. In May, the central bank cut interest rates and injected liquidity as part of broader efforts to cushion the economy from US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs. Further monetary easing is expected in the coming months, while some analysts believe the government could ramp up deficit spending if growth slows sharply. But China observers and analysts say stimulus alone may not be enough to tackle entrenched deflationary pressures, with producer prices in June falling at their fastest pace in nearly two years. Data on Monday showed China's exports regained some momentum in June while imports rebounded, as factories rushed out shipments to capitalise on a fragile tariff truce between Beijing and Washington ahead of a looming August deadline. China is aiming for full-year growth of around five per cent. The latest Reuters poll projected GDP growth to slow to 4.5 per cent in the third quarter and 4.0 per cent in the fourth, underscoring mounting economic headwinds as US President Donald Trump's global trade war leaves Beijing with the tough task of getting households to spend more at a time of uncertainty. June activity data also released on Tuesday painted a mixed picture - industrial output grew 6.8 per cent year-on-year in June, quickening from the 5.8 per cent pace in May and beating forecasts, but retail sales growth slowed down. Fixed-asset investment grew 2.8 per cent in the first six months from a year earlier, slowing from 3.7 per cent in January-May and missing analysts' forecast of 3.6 per cent. China's economy has grown at a slightly faster pace than expected in the second quarter, showing resilience in the face of US tariffs, though analysts warn of intensifying headwinds that will ramp up pressure on policymakers to roll out more stimulus. The world's number two economy has so far avoided a sharp slowdown in part due to a fragile US-China trade truce and policy support, but markets are bracing for a weaker second half as exports lose momentum, prices continue to fall, and consumer confidence remains low. Data on Tuesday showed China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.2 per cent in the April-June quarter from a year earlier, slowing from 5.4 per cent in the first quarter, but just ahead of analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a rise of 5.1 per cent. "China achieved growth above the official target of five per cent in Q2 partly because of front loading of exports," said Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management. "The above target growth in Q1 and Q2 give the government room to tolerate some slowdown in the second half of the year." On a quarterly basis, GDP grew 1.1 per cent in April-June, the National Bureau of Statistics data showed, compared with a forecast 0.9 per cent increase and a 1.2 per cent gain in the previous quarter. Investors are closely watching for signs of fresh stimulus at the upcoming Politburo meeting due in late July, which is likely to shape economic policy for the remainder of the year. Beijing has ramped up infrastructure spending and consumer subsidies, alongside steady monetary easing. In May, the central bank cut interest rates and injected liquidity as part of broader efforts to cushion the economy from US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs. Further monetary easing is expected in the coming months, while some analysts believe the government could ramp up deficit spending if growth slows sharply. But China observers and analysts say stimulus alone may not be enough to tackle entrenched deflationary pressures, with producer prices in June falling at their fastest pace in nearly two years. Data on Monday showed China's exports regained some momentum in June while imports rebounded, as factories rushed out shipments to capitalise on a fragile tariff truce between Beijing and Washington ahead of a looming August deadline. China is aiming for full-year growth of around five per cent. The latest Reuters poll projected GDP growth to slow to 4.5 per cent in the third quarter and 4.0 per cent in the fourth, underscoring mounting economic headwinds as US President Donald Trump's global trade war leaves Beijing with the tough task of getting households to spend more at a time of uncertainty. June activity data also released on Tuesday painted a mixed picture - industrial output grew 6.8 per cent year-on-year in June, quickening from the 5.8 per cent pace in May and beating forecasts, but retail sales growth slowed down. Fixed-asset investment grew 2.8 per cent in the first six months from a year earlier, slowing from 3.7 per cent in January-May and missing analysts' forecast of 3.6 per cent.
Sky News AU
4 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Cheng Lei: The questions Albanese must ask of Xi Jinping to prove Australia ‘cares about our people' and global stability
Observing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to China this week is like watching something happen in multi-faceted mirrors. China's lens is naturally uber-positive. Albanese's visit is being reported in the Chinese media as Australia seeking certainty in an uncertain global environment. Or it's framed as a business story, opportunities for cooperation in steel decarbonisation, sport, education and tourism. The fact that it is a long visit that also includes a non-Beijing or Shanghai city, that it's Albanese's first visit to China since re-election, that it marks the start of the second decade of the comprehensive strategic partnership all amp up the usual state propaganda cheer. Chinese ambassador Xiao Qian wrote an op-ed in the People's Daily titled 'Promoting the steady and long-term development of the China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'. It is broadly similar to his piece in the Australian Financial Review on the visit, but has nothing about upgrading the bilateral free trade deal to include AI and the digital economy, just fluff about reaffirming friendship and shared prosperity. Australia is not the only country China is keen on wooing. On Monday July 14, as our media reported on Mr Albanese's lunch speech for the business community in Shanghai, Chinese news carried items about the Indian foreign minister visiting China for the first time in five years, the Latin America China forum's cooperation efforts, and several stories about the US. China's main challenge is the US and Beijing's conveyor belt of visiting dignitaries is about strengthening relationships to buy some security on that front. Keen for anything to show up the US, China's Global Times chided the Pentagon for pressuring allies, after the Financial Times reported that US undersecretary of defence Eldridge Colby sought Japan and Australia's intended roles if there is conflict over the island. The awkward timing of that question reflects our anxieties and fears. We're afraid we can't isolate trade from security. Or balance between a seemingly sensible dictatorship and an erratic president. Or have our strategic independence and stay in a security alliance. Australia wants to hedge in the face of an unpredictable US administration and a belligerent China. Our neighbours, ASEAN countries and south Asian states, also have a lot at stake in the great power rivalry. Japan, the EU and Canada are similar swing partners between China and the US. On trade right now, China seems more rational and predictable. But on human rights, Beijing does not see individuals the same way we do. Anyone seen as imperilling the Party is dispensable. Mr Albanese's visit comes just after the tenth anniversary of the 'July 9' crackdown that led to the arrests of 300 human rights lawyers and activists. It comes at a time when lead poisoning of 200 kids in western China can't be publicly reported or commented on and the parents can't even take them for blood testing in the city. When Peng Zaizhou, the lone man who held up a banner denouncing Xi in 2022, remains 'disappeared' and dozens of erotic fiction writers have been arrested and jailed. We don't interfere in China's domestic issues but they highlight the vast gulf between us – China is all about survival of the party, at the expense of individuals. I remember when I saw on the state news in prison Albanese's first talks with Xi in 2022. A few weeks later I got the only phone call with family in all of my incarcerated three years and two months. Two years later, our compatriot Dr Yang Hengjun is still in jail with a death reprieve sentence. How is it for him to watch the news about Albanese's visit? Is there more or less impetus to push his case now that bilateral relations have been 'stabilised'? If not medical bail and freedom, how about gentler and more humane treatment for a 60-year-old man with a kidney condition who's already suffered six years of imprisonment? While PM Albanese marvels at the extraordinary transformation of Shanghai strolling along the Bund with Shanghai Port manager Kevin Muscat, I wonder if he sees the true cost of it. Or anyone looking at China's progress and praising the leadership for its vision. The growth comes from over a billion people sacrificing personal freedoms, from the hard slog of 'becoming the cog that the state wheel needs most', from a social contract that is so unjust but is still accepted because the decades before were much worse, from having 100 million party members who have vested interests in ensuring its rule. What the PM will not see among the gleaming skyscrapers is China's stepping up of preparations to take over Taiwan. From the constant rhetoric that everyone must be ready for combat at all times to the build-up of military grain reserves. A recent purge of senior military officials came about because they sounded a 'prudent' tone on the takeover. China wants to grow stronger to keep the rule of the CCP more stable. Australia's interests are security and prosperity for its people. Mr Albanese, as our leader, cannot afford to not grow trade with China. But we also cannot afford to not show, at every opportunity, that we care about our people, and we want peace in the region. Cheng Lei joined Sky News Australia as a TV news presenter and columnist at in December 2023. Prior to her role at Sky News Australia, she was a news anchor for Chinese-owned news channel CGTN and was CNBC's China correspondent. In August 2020, Cheng Lei was detained by Chinese authorities. She was released and returned to Australia in October 2023.
