NAGPUR- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) successfully conducted a test flight of its Boeing 777 aircraft named Goa after it remained grounded for nearly five years at the MRO facility in Nagpur. The aircraft took off from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (NAG), marking a major step toward returning to commercial service.

The aircraft performed a test sortie around Nagpur with Air India flight crew conducting system checks before landing safely at Nagpur (NAG). The test flight represents a key milestone as the airline moves closer to restoring the long-grounded widebody jet to active operations, Times of India reported.

Air India 777 Returns to Service After 5 Years

Air India’s Boeing 777, registered as VT-ALL and named Goa, departed for a test flight on Friday afternoon from Nagpur. The captain took off at approximately 2 pm and flew the aircraft around the Nagpur region while engineers and crew evaluated several onboard systems.

The aircraft completed the test successfully and landed safely at the same airport. A video circulating on social media captured workers and staff chanting Ganpati Bappa Morya as the widebody jet lifted off, reflecting the emotional significance of the moment after years of inactivity.

Despite the successful sortie, the aircraft has not yet been cleared to carry passengers. India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has currently approved the aircraft only for the test flight.

The 18-year-old aircraft has returned to the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul hangar in MIHAN Special Economic Zone, where further checks will continue.

DGCA Inspection Required

A DGCA inspection team is expected to visit the facility within the next week to perform a final airworthiness assessment. Only after regulatory approval will the aircraft be allowed to enter passenger service.

Sources indicate that the aircraft may initially operate on domestic sectors. However, there are also discussions about deploying it on long-haul international routes once certification is completed and operational readiness is confirmed.

Air India continues to expand its widebody operations as part of its fleet modernization strategy under the Tata Group.

Why It Stayed Grounded for Nearly Six Years?

The Boeing 777 arrived at AI Engineering Services Limited’s (AIESL) MRO facility in Nagpur in February 2020 for a scheduled C-check. A C-check is a comprehensive maintenance procedure that typically takes about 28 to 30 days to complete.

However, the aircraft remained grounded for years due to multiple operational challenges. One of its spare parts was removed to support another Boeing 777 that required immediate service.

Over time, additional components were also removed as global supply chain disruptions created shortages of aviation parts. The aircraft gradually became a donor source for other aircraft within the fleet.

Eventually, the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate expired, preventing it from returning to active service.

Restoration Effort at AIESL MRO Facility

Engineers at the AIESL MRO facility later initiated efforts to restore the aircraft to flying condition. Replacement parts had to be sourced and installed before systems testing could begin.

According to maintenance officials, returning a widebody aircraft to operational status after being grounded for more than five years is a complex technical process.

The restoration also highlights a broader challenge in aviation maintenance. MRO facilities depend heavily on original equipment manufacturers for critical parts, and delays in supply chains can significantly extend aircraft downtime.

Why the Aircraft Is Named ‘Goa’

Air India traditionally names several aircraft after Indian states as part of its fleet identity. The Boeing 777 with registration VT-ALLL was assigned the name Goa under this naming convention.

After spending years on the ground in Nagpur, the aircraft is now preparing for a possible return to regular airline operations pending final regulatory clearance.

EDITORS’ NOTE:- We should appreciate all the aircraft maintenance engineers and technicians involved in the repair work. It’s not easy to revive a long-grounded aircraft, especially during difficult times and parts shortages. Because I am from the same field due to my educational qualifications, I understand these situations.

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