Airbus orders inspections of 16 A380 superjumbos after cracks found in wing structure
Airbus has announced inspections of 16 A380 superjumbos after cracks were discovered in a key wing component on some aircraft operated by Emirates and Qantas, prompting regulatory action from European aviation authorities.According to AFP, the aircraft manufacturer said on Tuesday that the inspectio
By Toi World Desk
Airbus has announced inspections of 16 A380 superjumbos after cracks were discovered in a key wing component on some aircraft operated by Emirates and Qantas, prompting regulatory action from European aviation authorities.According to AFP, the aircraft manufacturer said on Tuesday that the inspections follow a directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) after cracks were detected during routine maintenance checks.According to Airbus, the cracks were found in a structural beam within the wing-spar assembly, a critical component that carries a significant portion of the aerodynamic load during flight.EASA ordered urgent inspections after discovering cracks on an aircraft that "could reduce the structural integrity of the wing", Airbus said.Of the 16 aircraft identified for inspection, 15 are operated by Emirates and one by Qantas.
Airbus said five Emirates-operated aircraft would undergo immediate checks, with inspections expected to begin as early as Wednesday.
Airlines using the A380 include Emirates, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Etihad Airways, ANA and Asiana Airlines.Emirates to begin checks within 48 hoursEmirates operates the largest A380 fleet in the world and it confirmed it would start the inspection process immediately."The inspections will begin in the coming 48 hours and all necessary works will be undertaken before the planes return to service," the airline said on Wednesday.The Dubai-based carrier added that it would work closely with Airbus and aviation regulators "to minimise any disruption to operating schedules".Emirates operates the world's largest fleet of A380 aircraft and flies more than half of all active superjumbos currently in service.Airbus said all A380 aircraft "with the same production history" had been identified for further assessment.The European planemaker said it would discuss with EASA whether repairs would be required following the inspections.Remaining 11 aircrafts can continue operating temporarily but must be inspected before completing their next 13 flights, Airbus said.
The development marks the latest structural concern involving the A380 programme.In 2012, EASA ordered inspections across the global A380 fleet after cracks were discovered in brackets connecting the wing skin to internal ribs.
That issue resulted in a large-scale repair programme and subsequent design modifications on later aircraft.Get the latest business news and top stories.
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