Boeing 777 Grounded in Nagpur for Six Years Ready for Takeoff
Air India’s VT-AL completes ground checks; passenger-free test flight scheduled by mid-February
Nagpur, Feb 10 : After being grounded for six years, Air India’s Boeing 777 aircraft, VT-AL, is finally preparing to return to the skies. Sources from Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) confirmed that the aircraft completed its ground run on Monday, with a test flight planned within the next 2-3 days.
The aircraft had arrived in Nagpur in February 2020 for routine maintenance at AIESL’s MRO depot at Mihan-SEZ. Originally expected to be completed in a month, servicing was delayed as parts from VT-AL were used for other Boeing 777s. Following multiple extensions, the aircraft is now ready for flight.
Preparations at the MRO included full weighing of the aircraft, detailed inspections of the fuselage, wings, landing gear, and airframe, and verification of all maintenance task cards. Safety and functional checks were conducted on fuel, hydraulic and oil systems, cabin pressurization, fire detection, emergency slides, oxygen systems, and avionics.
The upcoming test flight, expected between February 11 and 13, will be conducted without passengers to evaluate takeoff, climb, control response, autopilot, and landing procedures. VT-AL will officially re-enter service after receiving its certificate of release to service.
Nagpur was selected for the long-delayed maintenance due to its long runway, low air traffic for safer test flights, and a fully equipped MRO facility with specialized personnel.
