Who was Clive Kunder?
Clive Kunder (1990 – 12 June 2025) was a First Officer at Air India, serving on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Known for his sharp intellect, calm demeanor, and deep dedication to aviation, Clive was emerging as one of the most promising pilots in India’s commercial aviation sector. He tragically lost his life while co-piloting Flight AI171, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Despite his young age, Clive had already made a strong impression on senior pilots, instructors, and aviation mentors across India. His journey from Mumbai’s Kalina colony to the cockpit of a Dreamliner reflected not only his talent but also his relentless drive to achieve excellence.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Clive Kunder |
| Birth Year | 1990 |
| Death | 12 June 2025 (aged 34) |
| Profession | First Officer (Commercial Pilot) |
| Employer | Air India |
| Aircraft Flown | Boeing 787 Dreamliner |
| Flight Hours | Over 1,100 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | B.Sc. in Aviation (Bombay Flying Club), Pilot Training (Florida, USA) |
| Hometown | Kalina, Mumbai (originally Karnataka) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Known For | First Officer on AI171; died in 2025 crash |
Clive Kunder Early Life
Clive Kunder was born around 1990 into a close-knit, aviation-loving family in Karnataka, India, and was raised in Kalina, Mumbai, a locality closely associated with Air India employees. Growing up in the Air India residential colony, aviation was more than just a dream; it was part of his identity. His mother, Rekha Kunder, was a veteran cabin crew member with Air India, and Clive often watched aircraft take off from nearby airports, inspired by the legacy his family upheld.
As a child, Clive was known for being academically gifted, punctual, and disciplined. He completed his schooling in Mumbai and developed an early passion for flying that would go on to define the course of his life.
Clive Kunder Education
Clive pursued his passion for aviation with purpose. He completed a B.Sc. in Aviation from the College of Aviation at Bombay Flying Club (2008–2011), one of the country’s premier aviation institutes.
After finishing his undergraduate studies, he furthered his pilot training at Paris Air Inc. in Florida, USA, in 2011–2012, where he received professional training on advanced aircraft and international flight standards. By the time he returned to India, he had already laid the foundation for a solid career as a commercial airline pilot.
Clive Kunder Family
Clive hailed from a family deeply involved in India’s aviation sector.
| Relation | Name | Profession |
| Mother | Rekha Kunder | Senior Cabin Crew, Air India |
| Father | Not publicly known | Likely a private individual |
| Siblings | Not disclosed | Clive kept his private life discreet |
Clive was known to be deeply attached to his mother. Friends and family describe their bond as close and mutually supportive. Rekha was reportedly proud of her son’s commitment to flying and would often share stories of his growth as a pilot.
Clive Kunder Career in Aviation
Clive joined Air India in 2017 after completing his training abroad. Over the next few years, he built a strong reputation as a skilled and detail-oriented pilot. His colleagues frequently praised his:
- Professionalism
- Humility
- Eagerness to learn
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
At the time of his passing, Clive had logged over 1,100 hours of flying time, primarily on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. He was on track to qualify for a captain’s rank within the next couple of years.
His final flight, AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, would sadly become a symbol of his sacrifice and unfulfilled potential.
The Ahmedabad Crash – June 12, 2025
On 12 June 2025, Clive Kunder was the First Officer aboard Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The aircraft took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad with 242 people onboard, including 13 crew members.
Moments after takeoff, the aircraft suffered a complete loss of engine thrust due to the accidental cutoff of both engine fuel switches. The pilots issued a “Mayday” distress call, and Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and Clive Kunder attempted to divert the aircraft away from populated areas.
Despite their best efforts, the plane crashed into a medical college hostel, killing 241 passengers, 19 people on the ground, and both pilots. One passenger miraculously survived.
Clive’s actions, remaining calm, following protocol, and assisting in the emergency handling, were lauded by experts who reviewed the cockpit voice recorder and air traffic control logs.
Tributes & Final Farewell
Clive’s body was returned to Mumbai and received by family, friends, and Air India colleagues. His funeral, held at the Sewri Christian Cemetery, was marked by grief and reverence. His mother Rekha, still a serving member of Air India, stood bravely as mourners honored her son’s service.
Actor Vikrant Massey, a close family friend (but not a relative, as clarified), paid an emotional tribute, sharing his heartbreak and describing Clive as “more than family.”
Air India issued an official statement calling Clive’s actions “commendable” and pledged to remember his service as part of the airline’s legacy.
Clive Kunder Net Worth
Clive Kunder was at the early stage of his career and still building financial assets. Based on industry averages:
| Category | Estimate |
| Annual Salary (approx.) | ₹30–40 lakhs |
| Years Active (AI) | 6+ years |
| Other Benefits | Housing, travel, bonuses |
| Estimated Net Worth | ₹60–80 lakhs INR (~$90K–100K USD) |
His true wealth, however, lay in his professional reputation, skills, and the respect he earned across the cockpit community.
Clive Kunder Social Media
| Platform | Status | Notes |
| Not active | No verified or known public account | |
| Possibly private | No public activity visible | |
| Active (Limited Info) | May have a profile used for professional networking | |
| Not active | No public handle or posts |
🔐 Clive maintained a private, low-profile online presence, focusing more on family and career than social media visibility.
Clive Kunder Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5′10″ (178 cm) |
| Weight | ~72 kg (158 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Build | Fit and lean |
| Style | Professional, neat |
| Known For | Warm smile, calm expression |
Interesting Facts about Clive Kunder
- Clive trained in the U.S. but chose to serve his home country.
- His mother, Rekha Kunder, worked with Air India for over two decades.
- Known to be soft-spoken and studious in both school and training.
- His final journey received national media coverage and aviation community tributes.
- Was being mentored for a Captain upgrade within the next 18–24 months.
- His body was escorted by AI staff in full uniform as a mark of honor.
- Close friend of actor Vikrant Massey’s family.
- Was one of the youngest First Officers on Air India’s Dreamliner fleet.
FAQs About Clive Kunder
Q1. Who was Clive Kunder?
He was a First Officer with Air India who perished in the AI171 Ahmedabad crash in June 2025.
Q2. What aircraft did he fly?
Clive flew the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
Q3. Was he experienced?
Yes, with over 1,100 flying hours, he was close to being promoted to Captain.
Q4. What was his age at the time of the crash?
He was 34 years old.
Q5. Was he related to Vikrant Massey?
No, but they were family friends. Vikrant paid tribute to Clive on social media.
Q6. Where was he educated?
He studied at the College of Aviation, Bombay Flying Club, and trained in Florida.
Q7. What caused the crash?
A dual-engine shutdown due to inadvertent fuel cutoff switch activation.
Q8. Where were his last rites performed?
In Mumbai, at Sewri Christian Cemetery.
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