Air India baggage handling company apologises after staff seen partying days after crash

Air India's partner company has apologised after a video showing staff partying just days after the deadly crash of AI171 on June 12 went viral. The video showed senior officials from Air India SATS (AISATS) dancing at a staff party, sparking widespread anger.

Air India SATS has released a statement regarding the viral video posted less than 10 days after the crash which killed all but one on board, saying the footage was "completely out of context". AISATS is a 50-50 joint venture between Air India Limited, a Tata Group company, and SATS Ltd, a Singapore-based firm, formerly known as Singapore Airport Terminal Services. The partnership specialises in providing airport services, including baggage handling, across Indian airports, according to The Independent.

The footage shows Abraham Zachariah, chief operating officer of AISATS, dancing with other staff members as loud music plays during a party held at the company's Gurugram office on June 20.

In a statement, an AISATS spokesperson said: "At AISATS, we stand in solidarity with the families affected by the tragic loss of AI 171 and deeply regret the lapse in judgment reflected in a recent internal video.

"The behaviour does not align with our values, and firm disciplinary action has been taken against those responsible as we reaffirm our commitment to empathy, professionalism, and accountability."

The viral video caused outrage, particularly due to the fact that the party occurred while many families were still waiting to receive the bodies of their loved ones. On X, the video drew strong criticism from users, with one writing: "Would've been more advisable for you to defer and not host parties at such times @airindia."

In an earlier statement, the company stated that "AISATS is aware of a video being circulated on social media that unfortunately is completely out of context". It added: "Notwithstanding, we sincerely regret any emotional discomfort this may have caused."

The crash killed 260 people when the Boeing 787 Dreamliner slammed into a medical college shortly after takeoff on June 12. Vishwashkumar Ramesh, who was sitting in seat 11A, was the only survivor and managed to escape the wreckage through an opening in the fuselage. The Brit who expressed his shock at surviving, while also grieving for his brother, Ajay, who died in the accident. Recounting his experience to The Sun, he said: "It's a miracle I survived. I am OK physically but I feel terrible that I could not save Ajay."

The Express has contacted AISATS for further comment.