Airbus orders global A320 recall after software flaw
Airbus has launched an urgent global recall of its A320 aircraft after identifying a software vulnerability that can cause critical flight-control data to be affected by intense solar radiation. This could lead to operational disruptions for airlines, the manufacturer warned.
On Friday, Airbus announced that roughly 6,000 aircraft worldwide require an update. This represents more than half of all operational A320 family aircraft. Airbus says around 1,000 older A320s may require a more time-consuming hardware replacement, while most aircraft can be updated quickly.
The recall follows an incident on 30 October involving a Jetblue A320 flying from Newark to Cancún, during which a computer malfunction briefly forced the aircraft’s nose downward without pilot input. The plane diverted safely to Tampa and no injuries were reported.
Brussels Airlines: 35 aircraft affected
Brussels Airlines, which operates 35 aircraft from the A320 family, says only a limited part of its fleet has been affected so far. Most of those aircraft received the necessary maintenance between Friday and Saturday night, while software updates for several others are scheduled throughout Saturday. The airline stresses that no flights have been cancelled at this stage.
"Safety remains the top priority," Brussels Airlines said on Saturday morning. "Like all other affected airlines worldwide, we will comply with all regulations set by the manufacturer and the relevant authorities at all times. We would also like to thank our colleagues in Maintenance and Engineering for their dedication."
Brussels Airlines has a total of 46 aircraft, including 11 long-haul planes not part of the A320 family.
The Airbus A320 Neo. © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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