Singapore Airlines and Scoot Review Boeing 787 Fuel Switches Post-Air India Crash

On July 15, 2025, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its subsidiary, Scoot, announced they had conducted inspections of the fuel switches on their Boeing 787 aircraft fleet. This decision follows the preliminary report from the Indian aviation authorities regarding a crash involving Air India that raised significant concerns about the operation of these controls. The report indicated that the fuel switches were inadvertently moved from the 'run' position to 'cutoff,' leading to a catastrophic loss of engine power.

The preliminary findings from the Air India incident highlighted a critical cockpit exchange, where one pilot questioned the other about the engine shutdown, to which the second pilot denied having switched it off. This exchange has prompted scrutiny over how such a critical control could be accidentally engaged during flight. As per Chow Kok Wah, a former airline executive with expertise in aircraft maintenance, the design of the controls prevents accidental activation: 'There’s no way that you can accidentally knock it and then it goes in the opposite direction.' Despite this assertion, the incident has raised alarms across the aviation sector, prompting SIA and Scoot to take precautionary measures.

In response to the Air India accident, which occurred last month, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has also been involved in assessing the safety protocols concerning fuel switch operations. The FAA has previously issued advisories concerning the locking mechanisms of fuel cut-off switches on various Boeing models, including the 787, but had not mandated inspections, leading to some airlines not following through with these recommendations.

Following the Air India crash, regulatory bodies in India and South Korea have also mandated checks on their respective fleets. India’s directive followed reports indicating that both domestic and international airlines began their own inspections, while South Korea announced plans to issue similar orders. Meanwhile, Japan Airlines has stated it would 'implement any necessary inspections based on its findings' from the ongoing investigation.

The FAA, despite the recent concerns, has maintained that the fuel switch locks are safe and do not constitute a widespread safety issue warranting an Airworthiness Directive. This stance is documented in a notification to civil aviation authorities, asserting that the design of the fuel control switch, while similar across models, does not present an unsafe condition.

In light of the recent developments, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson commented in an internal memo that the investigation into the crash is ongoing. He emphasized the importance of thorough inquiry and warned against drawing premature conclusions about the causes of the incident. 'The investigation is far from over,' Wilson stated, underscoring Air India’s commitment to transparency and cooperation with authorities.

As the aviation industry grapples with these revelations, the implications for operational protocols and safety inspections are significant. The incident not only raises questions about the mechanical reliability of aircraft systems but also highlights the critical importance of adherence to safety advisories and the potential repercussions of neglecting such recommendations. The future of the Boeing 787's operational integrity remains under scrutiny, with airlines worldwide reassessing their safety measures in light of these alarming developments.