Airbus to inspect 16 A380s after wing cracks found

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

Toulouse: Airbus will inspect 16 of its A380 superjumbo aircraft after fractures were found in a vital wing structural component during standard maintenance, forcing the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to take immediate action.

These inspections will mainly target Emirates aircraft and one operated by Qantas. Five Emirates aircraft must undergo immediate inspections before returning to service, while the remaining 11 must be assessed within 25 flight cycles.

The cracks were discovered in the wing spar structure, which is an important component that helps withstand aerodynamic loads during flight. Regulators warned that if left untreated, the problem might jeopardise the structural integrity of the wing, while there is no immediate threat to fleet safety.

Emirates said it will do inspections within 48 hours and make any necessary repairs before returning affected aircraft to service. Qantas stated that the afflicted A380 is already undergoing scheduled maintenance, therefore the instruction is not likely to impede operations.