Tata Group to give Rs 1 crore compensation to families of persons killed in plane crash: Air India CEO

Mumbai: Air India parent Tata Group will pay Rs one crore to the families of persons killed in the Ahmedabad plane crash, besides covering the medical expenses of those injured, the carrier's MD and CEO Campbell Wilson said on Friday.

In a message shared on the official handle of Air India on X, Campbell said that while everyone at Air India is devastated by this loss and grieves for those affected, the airline has moved 100 caregivers and 40 engineering staff to Ahmedabad.

"...We have confirmed that 241 of the 242 passengers and crew perished in the incident. All of us at Air India are devastated by this loss and grieve for those affected near families and their loved ones," he said.

The technical team is now helping at the site, and caregivers are providing support to families, he said, adding that many more caregivers are travelling to Ahmedabad to provide further support.

Air India has set up assistance centres at Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi and London for the next of kin of the passengers and crew members, he added.

"These centres are facilitating their travel to Ahmedabad and providing them full support," he said.

He announced that the Tata Group, "our parent company, has announced that they will provide Rs one crore or approximately 85,000 British pounds, to the families of each person who lost their life and will cover the medical expenses of those injured".

In a video message, Wilson also said that the airline is deeply concerned for the well-being of the Medical Hospital students injured in the accident.

"Air India is committed to providing full and unstinting assistance in these difficult times," he said after visiting the crash site this morning.

"This morning, I visited the crash site and was deeply moved by the scenes. I also met key stakeholders in the government and assured them that Air India is committed to full cooperation with those working on the ground and to the investigations.

"We know that the investigations will take time, but we will be fully transparent and support the process for as long as it takes. Air India will continue to do everything it can to care for those affected by this tragedy and to uphold the trust placed in us," he said.

In another video message to Air India employees, Wilson said this was a very “sad time” for the airline but assured them of full support.

“Our energies are really focused on supporting those affected by AI 171 and their families and their loved ones,” he said.

As the airline mourns those lost and helps those injured, “we also mourn the loss of dear colleagues, who many of us who have trained with us, flown with us or crossed their paths in some way", he added.

“It's a difficult time, so we're also here to support you,” he said, adding that the airline continues to make counsellors, buddies, and other resources available for the employees' use.

“Our leaders will be present at cabin crew bases over the coming days and weeks unless there are other ways we can help. Please, don't hesitate to reach out,” Campbell said.

“While we continue to do all we can to help and support those affected, we nevertheless have an airline to keep operating and customers to serve.

“We must do so professionally and above all safely, even as we grieve. I know, I can count on the spirit and resolve of you and need to meet this challenge and maintain the trust placed in us by so many,” he said.