Young aviator full of promise: Air India pays tribute to First Officer Clive Kunder killed in crash

ANI June 20, 2025 408 views

Air India shared a heartfelt tribute to First Officer Clive Kunder who perished in the tragic Ahmedabad crash. The airline remembered him as a promising young aviator with quiet dedication to his craft. The accident claimed 241 lives including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, prompting safety reviews and compensation announcements. Actor Vikrant Massey also mourned Kunder, revealing their close family friendship.

"With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to First Officer Clive Kunder - a young aviator full of promise." - Air India
New Delhi, June 19: Expressing grief, Air India paid heartfelt tribute to First Officer Clive Kunder, who lost his life in tragic air crash resulting in loss of 241 lives on board Air India-171 flight in Ahmedabad on June 12.

Key Points

1

Air India honors Clive Kunder's aviation passion

2

Crash claimed 241 lives including ex-CM Vijay Rupani

3

Tata Group announces Rs 1.25 crore compensation

4

DGCA orders enhanced safety checks on Dreamliners

In a post on X, Air India wrote, "With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to First Officer Clive Kunder - a young aviator full of promise, a valued colleague, and a deeply cherished member of the Air India family. Clive's quiet dedication, grace, and passion for flying earned him the admiration of everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him."

"At his prayer and funeral service, senior leaders from Tata Group and Air India stood beside his family, friends, and loved ones - to honour his memory, share in their grief, and offer strength during this incredibly difficult time," airline added.

https://x.com/airindia/status/1935666254523564053

Air India expressed condolences to Clive's family. "In this moment of profound loss, we stand with you - in remembrance, in sorrow, and in solidarity."

Earlier on June 12, the day of the accident, Actor Vikrant Massey offered condolences and said that Kunder was his "family friend."

On June 12, a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a hostel complex of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat's Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The tragedy claimed 241 lives out of 242 onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.After the accident, an inquiry into the accident is underway, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation ordering enhanced safety checks on Air India's 787-8/9 Dreamliner fleet and the Tata group, the owner of Air India, along with the airline company has announced a total of Rs 1.25 crore compensation to the families of the victims.

Reader Comments

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Priya M.
Such a heartbreaking tragedy. Clive Kunder represented the best of India's youth - talented, dedicated and full of potential. My heart goes out to all the families affected. Air India's tribute was touching but we need stricter aviation safety measures. 🙏
R
Rahul K.
As someone from aviation industry, I know how much training these young pilots go through. Clive's loss is not just personal but a loss to entire aviation community. Hope DGCA investigation brings out truth and prevents such accidents in future.
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Ananya S.
The compensation amount seems inadequate for such massive loss of life. While money can't bring back loved ones, Rs 1.25 crore divided among 241 families comes to just ~50k per family? This needs reconsideration. Thoughts with all affected families.
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Vikram J.
Om Shanti. When tragedies like this happen, it reminds us how fragile life is. Clive and all victims were someone's everything - child, parent, friend. Hope Air India learns from this and improves safety protocols. No family should go through this pain.
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Sunita R.
The tribute was beautiful but actions speak louder than words. As frequent flyer, I've noticed maintenance issues with Air India planes before. Hope TATA group invests more in safety after this wake-up call. Rest in peace to all souls lost in this tragedy.

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Tags:
Air India crash Clive Kunder Ahmedabad plane crash Boeing 787 Dreamliner Vijay Rupani Tata Group