The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing have told airlines that the fuel switch locks on Boeing aircraft are safe, despite new scrutiny following a deadly crash in India.
The FAA’s notification, issued on 11 July, came after a preliminary report into last month’s Air India Boeing 787-8 crash that killed 260 people. The report raised questions about the aircraft’s engine fuel cutoff switches.
In its message to global aviation authorities, seen by Reuters, the FAA said it does not consider the design of the fuel control switches to pose an unsafe condition that would require further directives.
Boeing echoed the FAA’s stance in a communication to airlines, stating no action is currently recommended.
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report referenced a 2018 FAA advisory suggesting, but not requiring, inspections of fuel switch locks on certain Boeing models, including the 787. Air India confirmed it did not perform these checks as they were not mandatory.
The report also confirmed that all other safety directives and bulletins were followed.
Meanwhile, ALPA India, representing Indian pilots, rejected any early presumption of pilot error. The group called for a fair, fact-based investigation and asked to be included as observers.
A letter from ALPA India highlighted possible equipment malfunction linked to the fuel control switch gates.
Cockpit recordings revealed that during the final moments of the flight, one pilot asked the other why he had cut off the fuel. The second pilot replied that he had not. The report noted that the fuel switches moved to cutoff almost simultaneously after takeoff but did not explain how.
Two U.S. safety experts supported ALPA India's observer request but said the report did not show bias against the pilots.
The investigation remains ongoing, as calls for a thorough and transparent process continue to grow.
Ankara has condemned an Israeli plan to register large areas of the occupied West Bank as state property, a move widely criticised internationally and...
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is ready to pursue diplomacy with Iran as nuclear talks resume in Geneva, using a visit to Budapes...
Geneva is set to host two sets of negotiations on Tuesday, with U.S. officials meeting Iranian representatives in the morning and a trilateral session...
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has moved swiftly to consolidate his authority following the dismissal of his long-time ally Kamchybek Tashiev, head of...
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy held military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (16 February), state-linked media reported. The drill too...
Boeing booked more aircraft orders than Airbus in 2025 for the first time since 2018, official figures showed, even as the European manufacturer delivered more planes during the year.
Emirates Airline is confident in Boeing’s plans for a larger 777X and has ruled out ordering Airbus’s A350-1000 at the Dubai Airshow.
U.S.-based aviation company Boeing is preparing to produce a new narrow-body, single-aisle aircraft to replace its 737 Max model, sources report.
The U.S. envoy to Türkiye has confirmed that a Turkish Airlines’ Boeing aircraft deal has been finalised, marking a significant step in expanding the carrier’s fleet.
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said China has the power to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, arguing that Beijing is enabling Moscow’s military campaign.
Austria’s Janine Flock won the gold medal in the women’s skeleton event at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Saturday.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani said the United States could evaluate its own interests separately from those of Israel in ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (15 February) called it “troubling” a report by five European allies blaming Russia for killing late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny using a toxin from poison dart frogs.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday that Russia’s decision to change the leadership of its delegation for upcoming peace talks in Geneva appeared to be an attempt to delay progress.
Ankara has condemned an Israeli plan to register large areas of the occupied West Bank as state property, a move widely criticised internationally and described by the UN and the International Court of Justice as inconsistent with international law governing occupied territories.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has moved swiftly to consolidate his authority following the dismissal of his long-time ally Kamchybek Tashiev, head of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS).
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva on Monday ahead of a second round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States, according to Iranian state media.
Azerbaijan and Serbia have formally launched a Strategic Partnership Council, marking a new phase in bilateral relations and placing cooperation under direct presidential oversight.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani said the United States could evaluate its own interests separately from those of Israel in ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment