95% of crash victims’ families received interim compensation: Air India CEO Wilson

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said that 95% of the families affected by the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash have now received their interim compensation. Of the 180 families that were directly affected by the crash, 70 families have received the additional compensatory payment of ₹1 crore, which is being given through the AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust, set up by the Tata Group, Wilson added.

The CEO said the airline will continue to support the affected families “for as long as it takes” with payments for 50 more families are currently being processed, and documentation is pending for the remaining cases

Wilson noted that only the preliminary investigation report has been released so far. It has not placed responsibility on the aircraft manufacturer, engine maker, or the airline.

Wilson said Air India has reviewed all internal procedures after the accident to identify areas of improvement. The airline remains in regular contact with aircraft and engine manufacturers to ensure safe operations. When asked about recent technical issues involving Boeing 787 Dreamliners globally, Wilson said there is “no particular concern” and that the aircraft type remains reliable.

Air India currently operates 32 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Wilson also gave an update on Air India’s broader transformation. He said 2026 will be the most visible year of the airline’s ongoing overhaul, even though overall capacity will not increase significantly.

Air India plans to induct 26 aircraft in 2026 with six widebody and twenty narrowbody aircraft. However, the net fleet size will remain nearly the same because the airline will return its leased Boeing 777s and three old 777s will be retired. Also, many old aircraft are expected to be grounded for refurbishment.

Aircraft from Vistara, which formally merged with Air India in late 2024, will begin flying in Air India livery and interiors starting this month.

Wilson said Air India had expected 28 new aircraft to be delivered by now from its large 570-aircraft order, but so far it has only received “white tail” aircraft, planes that were originally built for other customers.

Despite these delays and challenges such as the AI171 crash and weaker US travel demand, Wilson said Air India’s long-term investment plan remains unchanged. The airline is also expanding its Maharaja loyalty programme to cover all Air India Group airlines, offering unified rewards and recognition.