Chandrasekaran calls plane crash most heartbreaking of his career, urges Air India staff to stay 'determined'

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran

Air India Chairman, N Chandrasekaran on Monday addressed employees and members of the leadership team at the Air India Headquarters and Training Academy. Speaking in the aftermath of the tragic crash of Air India's AI 171 Ahmedabad-London flight, he acknowledged the deep sense of loss across the organisation and praised the efforts of those who responded in the immediate crisis.

"I've seen many crises in my career, but this is the most heartbreaking one," he said, recalling his visit to the crash site and the devastation witnessed, as said by Air India employees. He acknowledged the pain of the bereaved families and affirmed that Air India would consider those affected as part of its extended family.

Chandrasekaran emphasized the importance of standing strong in the face of criticism and uncertainty. He urged employees to remain focused and determined, saying, “If you feel distraught, the word you should remember is determination. We need to show resilience and use this moment to build a safer airline.”

Air India employees said that the Chairman reiterated the complexity of aviation operations and stressed the need to wait for investigation outcomes before drawing conclusions. “This is the time to be calm, to be brave, and resolute,” he said, adding that the airline would emerge stronger from this tragedy.

Visiting the Emergency Command Centre, the Integrated Operations Control Centre, and Customer Service and Support units, Chandrasekaran acknowledged the behind-the-scenes efforts of Air India staff. “Every small action you do, executed with perfection, builds the larger success of the airline,” he reminded employees.

He said “Our job is to get Air India to the place it deserves—one that earns the trust of this country and the people who fly with us. Stay the course.”