Airbus to Inspect Planes for Panel Quality Issues
Airbus is set to conduct inspections on a number of its A320 aircraft following a supplier quality issue related to metal panels. The company identified impacts on a “limited number” of planes. This announcement comes shortly after a significant software update led to the grounding of thousands of A320 aircraft.
Inspection Announcement
On Tuesday, Airbus reported a proactive approach to address potential quality issues. The inspections will encompass all affected models, even though not every aircraft is likely to require repairs. An estimated 600 A320s may need examination, according to sources familiar with the matter. However, Airbus did not confirm this figure when contacted by the media.
Details on Quality Issues
A spokesperson for Airbus stated, “The source of the issue has been identified and contained.” They assured that all newly produced panels meet regulatory and safety standards. Inspections are crucial to determine where the quality issues exist and what repairs may be necessary.
- Inspections could potentially involve around 600 A320 aircraft.
- Not all inspected planes are expected to require repairs.
Recent Software Update Grounding
This situation follows a separate incident where thousands of Airbus aircraft were grounded for a major software update. The update addressed concerns that intense solar radiation might impair flight control systems. This vulnerability came to light after an incident involving a flight between the US and Mexico, during which the aircraft unexpectedly lost altitude, injuring 15 passengers.
Impact on Airlines
Over 6,000 Airbus aircraft necessitated emergency computer updates, marking one of the largest aviation recalls in history. This incident caused significant disruptions and numerous flight cancellations during a peak travel period, particularly around Thanksgiving in the United States.
Market Reaction
Following these events, Airbus shares have experienced a decline of over 6.5% in the past week. The company is under pressure to ensure the safety and reliability of its fleet while mitigating financial impacts from these recalls and inspections.
Major airlines, including British Airways, American Airlines, Korean Air, and Lufthansa, are monitoring the situation closely. El-Balad will continue to report on developments as they unfold.
