Overview
Airbus SE confirmed it is supporting inspections on a select group of A380 aircraft after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an emergency airworthiness directive addressing cracks found in wing spars. The regulator said the defects could reduce the structural integrity of the wing on affected jets.
Directive details
EASA's emergency directive applies to 16 A380 airplanes listed by manufacturer serial number. The regulator ordered that five of those aircraft be inspected before their next flight, while the remaining planes be checked within 25 flight cycles.
Flight tracking data compiled by Flightradar24, matching the manufacturer serial numbers specified in the directive, indicate 15 of the identified aircraft are operated by Emirates and one is operated by Qantas Airways Ltd.
Airbus response and next steps
Airbus said it has identified a smaller subset of aircraft that have comparable operating histories and is supporting inspections on those jets. A company spokesperson said the firm will, depending on inspection outcomes, discuss with EASA whether repairs are necessary or if the aircraft can return to commercial service.
Context on the type
The A380 is the largest passenger airliner in service. Airbus ceased production of the model in 2021 after demand for the double-deck, four-engine aircraft, introduced in 2007, declined.
What is known and what remains uncertain
Regulatory action is focused on 16 specific airframes for which EASA has required urgent checks. The scope of any required repairs and the timeline for returning affected aircraft to commercial service will be determined following the inspections and subsequent assessments between Airbus and EASA.