Difficult day for us at Air India, team working to support the needy: CEO Wilson

Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson on Thursday expressed "deep sorrow" at the crashing of the airline's Boeing 787-8 aircraft with 242 people on board, saying this is a "difficult day" for all at Air India.

The London-bound flight crashed soon after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon.

Wilson, in a video statement, also said that the airline is actively working with the authorities on all emergency response efforts.


"The first and most importantly, I would like to express our deep sorrow about this event. This is a difficult day for all of us here in India. And it's now focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families, and loved ones," Wilson said.

He said that while there would be many questions at this stage, he will not be able to answer all of them.

"But I do want to share the information we have at this time. Here, India flight AI-171 operated with a Boeing 787-8 aircraft to London-Gatwick has been involved in an accident after takeoff," Wilson said.

The aircraft crashed in a crowded residential area minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Many people were feared killed.

Of the 230 passengers on board, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national.

"The injured passengers have been taken by local authorities to the nearest hospitals. We are actively working with the authorities on all emergency response efforts," Air India chief said in the statement.

He also said that a special team of caregivers from Air India is on its way to Ahmedabad to provide additional support. Investigations will take time. "But anything we can do now. We are doing."

"We know that many people are concerned for the welfare of their loved ones. We have set up a special helpline that friends and family can reach us at," he said, adding for now, the teams are working round-the-clock to support passengers, crew and their families, as well as investigators.