Air India Upgrades Prompt Safety Questions After Flight 171 Crash

Air India has launched a $400 million retrofit program to modernize its aging fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, promising passengers upgraded cabins, refreshed interiors, and enhanced inflight entertainment. These improvements come in the shadow of a devastating tragedy: the Air India Flight 171 crash, which claimed 260 lives and left families around the world searching for answers.

Beasley Allen Represents Over 100 Victims of Air India Flight 171

Following the June 12, 2025, crash of Air India Flight 171, Beasley Allen Law Firm is representing more than 100 clients impacted by the disaster. The flight, a Boeing 787-8 bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers and crew and 19 people on the ground.

The team is led by nationally recognized aviation accident attorney Mike Andrews, who is known for taking on major aviation cases, including the Boeing 737 Max disasters.

The firm’s mission is clear: uncover the root causes of aviation accidents and hold responsible parties accountable.

What’s Included in Air India’s Aircraft Retrofit Program?

Air India’s fleet overhaul includes:

• New seats in business, premium economy, and economy classes
• Upgraded inflight entertainment systems
• Refreshed carpeting, curtains, and lavatories
• Avionics and reliability enhancements to meet modern safety standards

The first of 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft entered retrofit in July 2025, with the second scheduled for October. Both are expected to return to service by December. Additionally, 13 Boeing 777-300ERs will be refurbished by 2028.

While these upgrades aim to improve passenger experience, they also raise questions about past maintenance practices and whether outdated systems may have contributed to previous safety failures.

Global Push For Safety

The Air India Flight 171 tragedy has reignited global conversations about aviation safety, aircraft design, and corporate accountability. Modernization is a step forward, but it doesn’t erase past failures. Legal advocacy plays a critical role in ensuring that safety isn’t just a promise—it’s a standard.

If you or a loved one has been affected by an aviation accident, Beasley Allen offers free case evaluations and personalized legal support. Our team is committed to helping families find answers, seek justice, and push for safer skies.