New Delhi: Air India is reportedly seeking financial support of at least INR 10,000 crore from its owners, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, as the carrier faces one of the toughest challenges in its history following a deadly plane crash in June that claimed over 240 lives.

According to a report by Bloomberg, the airline is requesting funds to overhaul its internal systems and services, strengthen its engineering and maintenance capabilities, and continue its efforts to modernise its fleet. The support, if approved, will help stabilise operations and rebuild public trust after the tragedy.

People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that any financial assistance will be proportionate to ownership, with Tata Sons holding a 74.9% stake and Singapore Airlines owning 25.1%. The two shareholders are yet to decide whether the funding will be given as an interest-free loan or through fresh equity investment.

Neither Air India, Singapore Airlines, nor Tata Sons has commented on the report.

The request for financial backing comes in the wake of the Air India flight AI171 crash on June 12, one of the worst aviation disasters in India in recent years. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off, killing 260 people, including 241 passengers.

The tragedy has placed the airline under intense scrutiny and has disrupted its plans to rebuild its reputation as a modern and globally competitive carrier.

Speaking at a conference in New Delhi earlier this week, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson described the crash as “absolutely devastating” for the victims, their families, and the airline’s staff.

“We have been doing absolutely everything we can to support those affected, the families, the people on the ground, and the first responders to ease their journey forward,” Wilson said.

He also shared that the interim investigation report found no issues with the aircraft, its engines, or Air India’s operations. “We await the final report, and if there is anything to learn from it, we will,” Wilson added.

The airline, which was acquired by the Tata Group in 2022, has been undergoing a massive transformation to improve safety standards, customer experience, and operational efficiency. However, the June crash has significantly complicated these efforts.

Analysts say that the proposed funding could help Air India rebuild confidence, strengthen its maintenance infrastructure, and ensure better oversight across departments as it continues its modernisation drive.

The request for financial support also reflects the high capital requirements of India’s rapidly expanding aviation market, where airlines are under pressure to balance fleet growth with operational reliability and safety.