Tata Sons Establishes ₹500 Crore AI-171 Memorial Trust for Air India Crash Victims

Tata Sons has officially established a public charitable trust named “The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust” to support the victims and families affected by the devastating Air India AI-171 Dreamliner crash that occurred in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The tragic crash claimed 241 out of 242 lives onboard, along with casualties on the ground, making it one of the worst aviation disasters in India’s history.

The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has pledged a total of ₹500 crore towards this trust. This amount is jointly contributed by Tata Sons and Tata Trusts, each allocating ₹250 crore. The trust’s mission is to offer financial and rehabilitation support to the affected families. This includes:

• A ₹1 crore ex-gratia payment to the families of the deceased

• Medical assistance for the seriously injured

• Rebuilding aid for damaged infrastructure, notably the B.J. Medical College hostel, which suffered damage due to the crash

The trust is designed to provide both immediate and long-term assistance. It will help not just the direct victims and their families, but also individuals who are indirectly impacted, such as those who suffered trauma due to the incident.

In a statement issued by Tata Sons, the group clarified that the operational rollout of the trust will begin in earnest after formal registration with tax and regulatory authorities is completed. As of now, the trust has been formally registered in Mumbai and will be managed by a five-member board of trustees. Two trustees have been named so far:

• S. Padmanabhan, a long-standing veteran of the Tata Group

• Sidharth Sharma, General Counsel at Tata Sons
  The remaining trustees will be appointed in the coming days.

One of the unique aspects of the AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust is that it will also support first responders, medical professionals, disaster relief teams, and government personnel who were involved in rescue and recovery operations following the crash. These groups will receive mental health support, trauma counseling, and other resources to cope with the stress and psychological impact of handling the disaster.

Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, who also heads Air India, had earlier stressed the need for a sustainable and structured support system rather than just one-time financial aid. He emphasized the importance of long-term care and the creation of mechanisms to assist affected families over time.

Meanwhile, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated that the initial findings from the crash investigation have led to more questions than answers, indicating that the inquiry remains ongoing and complex.

The establishment of this trust signifies a compassionate and responsible effort by the Tata Group to not only fulfill its moral obligation but also to help rebuild lives in the aftermath of an unimaginable tragedy. Through this initiative, the group reinforces its commitment to social welfare, resilience, and ethical corporate responsibility.