Airbus Recalls Nearly 6,000 A320 Aircraft Over Flight Control System Fault
World
European aerospace giant Airbus has announced one of the largest recalls in its more than 50-year history. Due to a newly identified issue affecting flight control systems, the company will recall nearly 6,000 A320-family aircraft operated around the world.
The fault is linked to strong solar radiation, which can distort critical onboard data. Airbus plans to urgently update the software, and in some cases replace hardware components as well.
According to estimates, more than half of the global A320 fleet requires updates, with over a thousand aircraft potentially needing additional technical intervention.
Several airlines — including Lufthansa, IndiGo and easyJet — have already begun temporarily grounding some aircraft. Airbus acknowledged that the measures will cause operational disruptions and flight schedule disturbances.
“We recognize that these recommendations will create operational challenges. We apologize for the inconvenience and will work closely with all operators,” the company said.
The impact is already visible: Air France cancelled 35 flights on November 28, American Airlines started updating software on about 340 aircraft, and Colombia’s Avianca warned that up to 70% of its fleet may be affected. The airline has suspended ticket sales until December 8.
According to estimates, more than half of the global A320 fleet requires updates, with over a thousand aircraft potentially needing additional technical intervention.
Several airlines — including Lufthansa, IndiGo and easyJet — have already begun temporarily grounding some aircraft. Airbus acknowledged that the measures will cause operational disruptions and flight schedule disturbances.
“We recognize that these recommendations will create operational challenges. We apologize for the inconvenience and will work closely with all operators,” the company said.
The impact is already visible: Air France cancelled 35 flights on November 28, American Airlines started updating software on about 340 aircraft, and Colombia’s Avianca warned that up to 70% of its fleet may be affected. The airline has suspended ticket sales until December 8.
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