Air India 171

Friends,

Like many others, I woke up to the headline of Air India flight 171’s crash on Thursday morning. The news stopped me in my tracks.

Most of the time, aviation works. Quietly. Beautifully. Flights take off. Flights land. The miracle, unnoticed.

But sometimes, the silence is broken. And we’re reminded that for all the wonder and reach of modern aviation, it’s still built by people—for people. And people are not invincible.

Air India flight 171 was a regularly scheduled 787 service connecting Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick airport. June 12’s departure crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of 241 of the 242 passengers onboard as well as many on the ground. At this point, there are more questions than answers.

It’s staggering. And it’s heartbreaking.

I am scheduled to fly on a 787 tomorrow: it is a remarkable airplane with zero hull losses until this crash. I am grateful—for everyone who make aviation possible, and for the privilege of flight itself.

I am also beyond heartbroken by this tragedy—for those on AI171 who did not make it home, and for the families, crew, and communities left behind. I could say more, but will stop there for now.

Life is precious.

Fly well.