“They Flew as One, They Are Remembered as One”: Air India Mourns AI171 Crew
NEW DELHI :
A sombre memorial service was held on Wednesday at Air India headquarters to honour the 12 crew members who lost their lives in the tragic crash of Flight AI171. The gathering, attended by senior airline officials, staff, and bereaved colleagues, was marked by quiet dignity, deep emotion, and heartfelt tributes that went far beyond protocol.
Addressing the gathering, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said, “Words cannot capture what we feel. Each of us will carry this loss in our own way, but together we must uphold their memory, their service, and their spirit.”
The event brought to light not just the professional excellence of the crew, but the deep personal bonds that defined their lives in the skies.
Veteran Commander, Promising Youth, and a Team United in Duty
At the centre of the tributes was Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a veteran pilot with over 30 years of service. Fondly remembered for his calm demeanour and humour, he was known among colleagues by his ironic nickname, “Sad Sack.” A colleague recalled, “He didn’t compete with anyone; he celebrated everyone. He didn’t just wear the uniform, he dignified it.”
First Officer Clive Kunder, just 26, was remembered by a fellow trainee as “a brother” and “a gentle soul with boundless potential.” “He will now be flying in a different sky,” the colleague said quietly.
Cabin Crew Tributes: Dedication, Devotion, and Quiet Grace
Poignant stories were shared about the airline’s cabin crew, each a reminder of the commitment and compassion they carried into every flight:
Shraddha Dhavan, Cabin Supervisor, was remembered for her discipline and meticulous preparation, even after exhausting shifts.
Maithili Patil, known for her spiritual grounding, always carried a small idol of Lord Krishna and a Bhagavad Gita in her flight bag.
Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam had texted her sister shortly before takeoff, excitedly sharing her travel plans and promising to return by June 15.
Others commemorated included Deepak Pathak, Aparna Mahadik, Irfan Shaikh, Lamnunthem Singson, Saineeta Chakravarty, Roshni Songhare, and Manisha Thapa.
Each name, spoken with reverence, reflected a life dedicated to service and camaraderie.
“The Aircraft Was Our Second Home”
As one senior crew member said, “To many, an aircraft is a machine. To us, it is a second home. And we have lost a part of that home.”
The memorial closed not with applause, but with silence, a moment that, perhaps more than any speech, captured the weight of the airline’s collective grief.
While investigations into the crash continue, Air India has pledged to support the families of the deceased and ensure their memories are honoured across future operations.
