Ahmedabad Plane Crash: What is the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner? jet involved in Air India flight crash

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the most advanced and widely flown aircraft in the world, is now under the spotlight following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171 near Ahmedabad airport. The aircraft, bound for London, reportedly went down shortly after take-off on Thursday with 242 passengers on board. The incident has sent shockwaves across the aviation industry, raising concerns around the model once again.

Also Read| Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India flight carrying 242 passengers crashes near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport

History 

Introduced in 2009, the Dreamliner 787-8 was Boeing’s answer to the demand for fuel-efficient, long-haul aircraft with enhanced passenger comfort. Built with nearly 50 per cent carbon fibre-reinforced polymer, it is significantly lighter than older generation aircraft, contributing to a fuel burn that is about 20 per cent lower.

This mid-size wide-body jet is powered by twin engines and features aerodynamic enhancements such as raked wingtips and smoother contours that reduce drag. The 787-8 typically seats around 242 passengers in a two-class configuration and can travel up to 13,530 km in a single journey, ideal for intercontinental routes such as India to the UK.

Global Advancement

However, what truly sets the Dreamliner apart is its focus on cabin experience. It boasts the largest windows of any commercial aircraft, each fitted with electronic dimming instead of traditional shades. The cabin is pressurised to an altitude of 6,000 feet, lower than conventional jets, along with higher humidity levels. These features help reduce jet lag and overall passenger fatigue on long-haul flights.

Its advanced noise reduction technology ensures a quieter journey, and the ambient lighting system, which simulates natural light transitions, aids passengers in adapting to different time zones.

Used by global giants like British Airways, United Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Air India, the Dreamliner has had a mixed safety record over the years. While it has enjoyed widespread commercial success, isolated technical issues in its early years prompted regulatory scrutiny.

As authorities begin their probe into Thursday’s crash, aviation experts will be looking closely at both flight operations and the aircraft’s performance history. For now, a jet known for comfort and innovation finds itself at the centre of a catastrophe no one expected.