Families of Air India crash victims to receive extra £21k

 

Air India has pledged to pay an extra £21,000 each to the families of those killed in the crash of a Gatwick-bound Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad.

 

The interim payment is in addition to £85,000 support offered by the airline’s majority owner Tata Group in the immediate wake of the accident on Thursday.

 

A total of 242 passengers and crew died when the aircraft hit the ground shortly after take off from the airport in western India.

 

Only one passenger, a British man, survived.

 

An airline statement said: “Air India stands in solidarity with the families of the passengers who tragically lost their lives in the recent accident. 

 

“Our teams on the ground are doing everything possible to extend care and support during this incredibly difficult time.

 

“As part of our continued efforts, Air India will be providing an interim payment of approximately £21,000 each to the families of the deceased and to the survivor, to help address immediate financial needs. 

 

“This is in addition to the approximately £85,000 support already announced by Tata Sons.

“All of us at Air India are deeply saddened by this loss. We mourn with the families, loved ones, and everyone affected.

 

“Air India is working closely with other Tata group companies to provide every possible assistance to the families and loved ones of those deceased, which remains our number one priority.”

 

The airline confirmed that it was in the process of completing a one-time safety checks directed by the Indian aviation regulator. 

 

"These checks are being carried out on the Boeing 787 fleet as they return to India, before being cleared for their next operations,” a statement from the carrier said. 

 

“Air India has completed such checks on nine of the Boeing 787 aircraft and are on track to complete this process for the remaining 24 aircraft within the timeline provided by the regulator. 

 

"Some of these checks could lead to higher turnaround time and potential delays on certain long-haul routes especially those to airports with operating curfews. Customers will be duly notified about any delays. 

 

“For customers affected by this disruption, refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling are being offered to those who opt for it.”

 

The airline add that it remains “fully co-operative with the ongoing investigation led by the authorities and will continue to provide updates as verified information becomes available”.