• India's DGCA requests training records from Air India after a crash that killed at least 271 people.
• The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
• The directive includes compliance checks for flying schools nationwide.
• Air India's leadership emphasized the need for improved safety post-incident.
• The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the official crash investigation.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has formally requested Air India to provide training records for the pilots and dispatcher involved in a tragic plane crash that resulted in the deaths of at least 271 people. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London, began losing altitude and later crashed into nearby buildings, killing everyone on board except for one survivor and approximately 30 additional casualties on the ground. This request is part of a comprehensive investigation aimed at ensuring accountability and improving safety protocols in the aviation sector, according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and Dawn.

The DGCA’s request encompasses not only the training records of the pilots but also those of the flight dispatcher. Air India’s commanding pilot, Sumeet Sabharwal, had logged 8,200 flying hours, and his co-pilot, Clive Kunder, had 1,100 hours of experience. The investigation looks into standard practices such as the crew's training, flight history, and medical records, although the initial memo does not indicate any operational concerns regarding Air India, as outlined by sources including Reuters and Dawn.

In addition, all flying schools across the country have been instructed to conduct training compliance checks as part of the regulatory review response. This includes adherence to enhanced safety and operational measures that align with the DGCA's protocols. Air India is expected to submit action plans based on prior audits conducted by the DGCA, as indicated by Channel News Asia, Reuters, and Dawn.

Furthermore, Air India's Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed to staff that this incident should act as a catalyst for enhancing safety standards within the airline. As part of the aftermath, the DGCA has also planned an extensive emergency drill, asking government-managed airports to participate in a training exercise on June 30. This initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to ensure readiness for future incidents, highlighted by Reuters and Dawn.