Airlines
Air India Partners with Singapore Airlines for In-House Maintenance Overhaul
After the Ahmedabad crash, Air India is shifting key maintenance tasks in-house with Singapore Airlines’ support to boost safety, efficiency
When a tragedy shakes the skies, it often forces the aviation world to pause, reflect, and adapt. For Air India, the recent Ahmedabad crash of flight AI171 has not only brought sorrow but also accelerated a critical change in how the airline maintains its fleet.
The Tata Group-owned carrier is now preparing to bring much of its aircraft maintenance in-house, with technical assistance from its 25.1% shareholder, Singapore Airlines (SIA).
Moving Maintenance Under One Roof
According to a Bloomberg report, Air India will begin phasing in pre-flight checks, daily inspections, and minor troubleshooting work internally, rather than depending solely on a state-owned maintenance company. This transition will be rolled out gradually, with Singapore Airlines providing operational expertise and best practices.
Part of a Long-Term Transformation Plan
The move to in-house maintenance was part of Air India’s broader transformation strategy outlined after its 2022 privatization. Initially, the plan was delayed in order to maximize aircraft availability, increase flight frequency, and enhance onboard services. However, the Ahmedabad crash has shifted priorities, placing safety and maintenance oversight firmly at the forefront.
Safety Audits and Operational Adjustments
The fatal incident triggered a sector-wide safety audit, emergency fleet inspections, and a temporary cutback in long-haul operations. By taking direct control of essential maintenance tasks, Air India aims to ensure faster response times, greater accountability, and improved safety compliance.
Scaling Up for a Massive Fleet
“With our fleet expansion — 570 aircraft, including a significant number of widebody jets — India’s current MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) infrastructure is simply not equipped to support this scale,” an Air India spokesperson told Bloomberg. The partnership with Singapore Airlines will help bridge this gap, preparing the airline’s internal teams to handle the operational demands of such a large and diverse fleet.
Beyond Efficiency: A Commitment to Safety
By building a self-reliant maintenance ecosystem, Air India aims to cut turnaround times, improve operational reliability, and strengthen passenger trust. In aviation, every inspection and every repair is a safeguard for the skies — and for Air India, this move represents a renewed commitment to ensuring that safety remains the top priority.
