Air India Replaces Paper Logbooks with Digital System for Boeing 787 Fleet

Air India is accelerating its transformation into a modern, technology-driven global airline by replacing decades-old paper-based maintenance records with a fully digital system for its widebody Boeing aircraft.

The move marks another milestone in the airline’s ongoing modernization program, improving operational efficiency while strengthening safety, reliability, and sustainability.

DGCA Approves Electronic Technical Logbooks

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved the use of Electronic Technical Logbooks (ETL) as the primary technical record for Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. At the same time, the regulator has also authorized the airline to begin parallel implementation of the digital system across its Boeing 777 fleet.

With this approval, Air India becomes one of the first airlines to deploy Electronic Technical Logbooks across its entire Boeing 787 fleet, marking a significant shift away from traditional paper-based maintenance documentation.

What Is an Electronic Technical Logbook?

An Electronic Technical Logbook is a secure digital platform that replaces conventional paper maintenance records used by engineers and flight crews.

Instead of relying on handwritten entries, maintenance information is recorded and shared electronically in real time. This allows engineers, maintenance controllers, and operational teams to access the latest aircraft status instantly, reducing delays and improving communication between departments.

Faster Maintenance, Better Reliability

The digital system is expected to make aircraft maintenance more efficient by enabling quicker reporting and rectification of technical defects. Faster information sharing also helps improve aircraft dispatch reliability, ensuring that aircraft return to service more quickly while maintaining strict safety standards.

Beyond day-to-day operations, the ETL platform enhances data accuracy, traceability, and regulatory compliance. It also provides advanced analytics that can support predictive maintenance, helping engineers identify potential issues before they become operational problems.

Supporting Sustainability Goals

Moving to a paperless maintenance system also supports Air India’s environmental objectives. By eliminating thousands of paper records generated during aircraft maintenance, the airline expects to significantly reduce paper consumption while simplifying document management across its engineering network.

Part of Air India’s Modernization Strategy

The introduction of Electronic Technical Logbooks is another important step in Air India’s wider transformation strategy. Since launching its modernization program, the airline has invested heavily in new aircraft, upgraded cabins, digital technologies, and engineering capabilities.

By digitizing maintenance operations for its Boeing 787 fleet and expanding the system to the Boeing 777 fleet, Air India is building a more efficient, data-driven operation designed to improve safety, operational performance, and customer reliability as it continues its journey toward becoming a world-class global carrier.