The Air India crash has a distinct signature of what experts call as a near improbable total two engine failure. However this also significantly increases the possibility of an “Electronic Sabotage” which could have caused the fuel cut-off or hydraulic failure etc which the experts indicate as a possible reason.
Though Air India is no longer a national carrier and is as much private as any other airline, the perception is that its reputation good or bad is linked to the reputation of India. Hence the enemies of India both within the country or outside target the airline to indirectly bring down the reputation of Air India. Hence Air India faces an “Enemy Risk” which other airlines donot face.
Since today’s aircrafts are all controlled by electronics, the safety of the aircraft is very much dependent on the safety of the electronic systems just like controlling a large computer network. It appears that there needs to be a CISO for every aircraft.
The more we think Air India is the nation’s pride, the more attention we would attract of Pakistani terrorists.
One of the Risk management strategies for the airline now is to change its name though it would be a sad decision to take.
Naavi
