X: @vivekbhavsar
New Delhi: Senior NCP leader and former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has raised serious concerns over the silence of Singapore Airlines (SA) following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Patel questioned why Singapore Airlines, a major stakeholder in Air India, has remained conspicuously quiet despite its deep involvement in the airline’s management and operations.
In his post, Patel pointed out that Singapore Airlines holds a 25.1% stake in Air India, has a representative on the airline’s board, and is a key player in its codeshare operations. He also reminded the public that Air India’s current CEO, Campbell Wilson, was nominated by Singapore Airlines and had previously served as CEO of its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot. He wrote, “There is a surprising — and perhaps deliberate — silence regarding the role of a major shareholder: Singapore Airlines… Why this deafening silence, SQ?”
Patel’s statement comes in the wake of the devastating crash on June 12, when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, plowing into the B.J. Medical College hostel. The crash killed 241 passengers and crew on board and at least 29 people on the ground, making it India’s worst aviation disaster in nearly 30 years.
While Singapore Airlines issued a brief statement expressing condolences and stating that it was in touch with Tata Sons and Air India, it has not issued any detailed response or held a press conference. This limited engagement has drawn criticism from aviation observers and political leaders alike, who believe that co-owners of a national airline must take visible responsibility during such crises.
The Tata Group, which owns the remaining 74.9% of Air India, is already facing mounting pressure over safety standards and crisis management. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with help from experts from the U.S. and UK, is investigating the crash. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered immediate inspections of all Boeing 787 aircraft in Air India’s fleet. This incident is also raising larger questions about the pace at which Air India has been expanding since its privatisation and whether operational safety has been compromised in the rush to scale up.
The role of Boeing is also under scrutiny, as this crash marks the first fatal incident involving the 787 Dreamliner model since its commercial introduction in 2009.
Meanwhile, questions are being asked about the broader implications of joint ownership in public-facing entities like national carriers. Patel’s tweet has forced both Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines to confront the uncomfortable truth that public accountability is non-negotiable in the aviation sector.
By pointing out the operational, managerial, and strategic involvement of Singapore Airlines, Patel has not just demanded a statement but highlighted a systemic gap in how co-owners respond to tragedies. His remark, “Why this deafening silence, SQ?” is now echoing across boardrooms and public discourse alike. Whether Singapore Airlines will break its silence with a more responsible and transparent approach remains to be seen.
