Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a recent announcement, Airbus revealed precautionary inspections for its A320 fleet due to concerns over the quality of metal panels from a supplier. Approximately 600 aircraft are potentially impacted, though the manufacturer has assured that only a small fraction might actually need repairs.

The European aviation giant characterized this measure as a "conservative approach," aimed at ensuring all aircraft that could be affected are inspected thoroughly. They confirmed that the new panels currently being manufactured meet all necessary standards.

This development follows a massive grounding of thousands of A320s last week due to an urgent software update. This update, prompted by solar radiation issues impacting flight control systems, caused one aircraft to experience a sudden altitude drop mid-flight, resulting in injuries to 15 passengers. In total, over 6,000 aircraft globally were affected, leading to significant travel disruptions during peak holiday times.

As inspections proceed, Airbus noted that the number of affected jets requiring specific actions is "decreasing day by day." Airlines utilizing the A320, including major companies in Europe, the U.S., and Asia, have been contacted for follow-up checks.

Although the metal panel issue is distinct from the earlier software matter, it underscores the ongoing challenges Airbus faces in ensuring the safety and reliability of its widely utilized A320 aircraft.

#Tourism #Travel