Airbus has issued an urgent directive to airlines worldwide to inspect adn possibly replace flight control software on approximately 6,000 A320 family aircraft following a concerning incident on a JetBlue flight last month. The European manufacturer steadfast that strong solar radiation could be a factor in corrupting critical flight data, prompting the immediate operational halt of affected planes [[1]]. While most updates can be completed quickly, roughly 1,000 aircraft will require hardware replacements, potentially leading to several weeks of disruption for passengers and airlines.
Airbus is urging operators of roughly 6,000 A320 family aircraft to replace potentially vulnerable flight control software following an incident involving a JetBlue flight in late October. The European aircraft manufacturer alerted airlines Friday evening to the issue, which stems from the possibility that intense solar radiation could corrupt critical flight data.
Airbus requested that all customers using the affected software “immediately cease operations” after analyzing a technical incident that occurred on October 30th on a JetBlue flight traveling between Cancun, Mexico, and New York. The aircraft experienced an unexpected descent without pilot input, though the crew was ultimately able to regain control and land the plane safely. Initial reports from Tampa firefighters indicated some passengers sustained injuries.
According to the company, analysis revealed that strong solar flares could potentially compromise data essential for flight control functionality.
Several Weeks of Potential Grounding for Some Aircraft
While most aircraft can have the software updated to a previous version within “a few hours,” and in many cases remotely, according to French Economy Minister Roland Lescure, approximately 1,000 planes will require hardware replacement – a process expected to take “several weeks.” This involves replacing an elevator and aileron control computer (ELAC) manufactured by Thales.
Thales clarified that the problematic component is software-driven, and not their responsibility. Airbus has not yet disclosed the identity of the company responsible for developing and updating the software.
As of Saturday afternoon, the number of aircraft requiring extended downtime for hardware changes was revised downward, though specific figures were not immediately available.
Swiss International Air Lines Optimistic About Minimal Disruption
Swiss, a major Airbus operator, stated Friday evening that it had been informed of the issue and had begun implementing the necessary measures. The airline indicated that affected aircraft could continue flying normally while the software updates are completed by Sunday at 1:00 AM.
Swiss reported no cancellations or delays Friday and does not anticipate significant disruptions Saturday. However, the airline cautioned that “adjustments at the last minute” could occur in the coming days due to the time required for the updates.
>> The situation at Cointrin in the 12h45 Saturday:
The airline later confirmed Saturday afternoon that all its aircraft had been updated without operational disruptions.
World’s Best-Selling Aircraft Faces Temporary Headwinds
The Airbus A320 and its variants (A318, A319, A321), in service since 1988, is the world’s best-selling aircraft. Airbus surpassed Boeing’s 737 in total deliveries this summer, with 12,257 A320 family aircraft delivered as of September 30th, compared to 12,254 Boeing 737s.
American Airlines operates the largest fleet of A320 family aircraft, with nearly 500 in service. The airline stated Friday that it had begun updating the navigation software following notification from Airbus and expects to complete the process on “the vast majority” of its 340 affected A320s by Saturday, anticipating “some delays” related to the adjustments.
On Saturday, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury issued a formal apology, stating on LinkedIn, “I would like to sincerely apologize to our airline customers and our passengers who are affected by this situation.”
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