Airbus has grounded thousands of its aircraft following the discovery that intense solar radiation may jeopardize onboard flight control systems. This precautionary measure affects about 6,000 A320 planes—almost half of the European manufacturer's global fleet. Most aircraft are expected to return to service after a quick software update, though the UK's aviation regulator acknowledged potential delays and cancellations in flights.
The grounding was initiated after a significant incident occurred in October involving a JetBlue Airways flight between the US and Mexico, where the plane unexpectedly lost altitude, resulting in injuries to passengers. Investigations revealed the issue pertained to a computing system that calculates the aircraft's elevation, potentially leading to data corruption when exposed to strong solar radiation.
While many newer Airbus aircraft can undergo swift software updates requiring roughly three hours, around 900 older planes will necessitate physical replacements of their onboard computers. The time required for these updates depends on replacement part availability, impacting operations significantly especially for airlines with older fleets.
The situation has resulted in varying disruptions across different airlines. In the UK, airlines like British Airways reported minimal impact, while Air France faced considerable cancellations. Meanwhile, in the US, during one of the busiest travel times, American Airlines acknowledged it was addressing the issue, anticipating operational delays.
Tim Johnson, director of the UK's Civil Aviation Authority, referred to the exceptional grounding of these planes as a rare occurrence, emphasizing the overall safety of air travel due to stringent maintenance protocols. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander noted the swift identification and response to the issue demonstrates the high aviation safety standards in place.
With a mixture of affected airlines and procedures around the world, the aviation industry is currently navigating this unforeseen circumstance while ensuring passenger safety is prioritized.
