Among the 241 lives lost in the devastating Air India Dreamliner crash on June 12, twelve were dedicated crew members who had once taken to the skies with dreams, discipline, and duty. Eight of them were women—young, determined professionals drawn from across India—each with a story that now lingers in memories, prayers, and heartbreak.
A moving tribute shared within Air India’s internal forums and later posted on social media by aviation expert Sanjay Lazar described the crew as a family “united by wings.” The collage, circulated widely online, honors these individuals not merely as airline staff, but as lives rooted in service.
“In the darkest moments, our global airline family comes together, not by uniform, language, or nationality, but by something far greater: We are, and always will be, United by Wings,” the tribute reads.
The youngest among the crew were just 22. Maithili Moreshwar Patil, from Nhava village in Maharashtra, had been the first in her family to join the aviation industry. “She supported her family with pride,” the tribute read.
From the northeastern state of Manipur came Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, also 22, who had joined Air India in April 2023. Known for her cheerful nature, she “will be remembered for her bright spirit and dedication.”
Another 22-year-old, Irfan Shaikh from Pimpri-Chinchwad, was one of the two male flight attendants on board. “He was ambitious, kind, and deeply focused on building a future in aviation.”
Twenty-four-year-old Lamnunthem Singson, also from Manipur, had recently joined and was described as “full of hope and energy.”
Among the slightly older crew was 27-year-old Roshni Rajendra Songhare from Dombivli, Maharashtra. Engaged to be married, Roshni had also begun making a mark as a travel influencer. “She had a special presence—warm and confident.”
From Patna, 27-year-old Manish Thapa had previously served on international routes with IndiGo and Akasa Air. Colleagues remembered her for her “professionalism and charm.”
Saineeta Chakravarty, 35, from Santacruz West in Mumbai, brought years of flying experience, having transitioned from Go Air. “She carried herself with pride and elegance,” her colleagues said.
Veteran crew leader Shraddha Dhavan, 44, served Air India for 21 years and was admired by colleagues across generations. “Her calm strength guided many junior crew members,” a former colleague said.
Aparna Mahadik, 42, from Goregaon East, was known for her fitness, discipline, and quiet compassion. “Her presence always brought calm, even during tough flights.”
The other male flight attendant, Deepak Pathak, 36, from Badlapur, had been with Air India for 11 years. “Safety was his first priority. He was the kind of crew member you were always happy to fly with.”
The two pilots lost were Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder.
Captain Sabharwal, 55, from Powai, Mumbai, had logged over 8,200 hours in the skies. He was known for his composed leadership and meticulous nature. “He was planning to retire early to care for his father,” a family friend shared.
First Officer Clive Kunder, 26, from Mangaluru, came from an aviation family and had over 1,100 hours of flying experience. Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey, who is Kunder’s cousin, mourned his loss in a heartfelt Instagram post, calling it “a cruel blow to our family and the country.”
Eight of the twelve cabin crew hailed from Maharashtra. Across the country—from the hills of Manipur to the streets of Mumbai—families, colleagues, and well-wishers are grieving.
Many have noted the gender diversity and youth of the team. “It’s heartbreaking,” said aviation safety consultant Rekha Sinha. “These were not just names on a crew list—they were people with dreams, families, and futures.”
At campuses and training institutes like the Bombay Junior Management College (BJMC), where some of the crew once studied, the anniversary of the institution coincided with the mourning. “We are still in shock,” said one faculty member.
Beyond the numbers, this tragedy has left a gaping emotional void in the aviation community. Crew unions and colleagues have called for the institution of a memorial and scholarships in the names of the deceased.
“They served the skies so others could travel safely,” said Sanjay Lazar. “Let us not forget their humanity, their commitment, and their sacrifice.”
As families prepare for funerals, tributes continue to pour in from across the nation. Their loss is not just to their airline, but to a country that watched them rise above the clouds—only to be brought down too soon.
