Airbus announced on November 3, 2023, that it is recalling jets in its popular A320 family due to concerns over potential vulnerabilities to intense solar radiation. This radiation could compromise data critical to the functioning of flight controls, prompting the need for repairs and possible operational delays. The company is collaborating with aviation authorities to enhance safety by implementing necessary software and hardware protections.
The recall follows a significant incident on October 30, when several passengers aboard a JetBlue flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, experienced injuries after the aircraft suffered a sharp loss of altitude. This emergency situation required the flight to land in Tampa, Florida, and has led to an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
With approximately 11,300 A320-family aircraft currently in operation, over 6,440 of these jets represent the core A320 model, according to reports. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency is expected to issue emergency airworthiness directives in response to the situation, as confirmed by Airbus.
Operational Disruptions Expected
The adjustments required for compliance will necessitate the grounding of many jets, allowing for a reversion to a previous software version. Some aircraft may also require hardware changes. These modifications must be completed before the aircraft can resume their next scheduled flight, as indicated in industry bulletins.
Airbus acknowledged that these recommendations will lead to significant operational disruptions, particularly during the busy Thanksgiving weekend in the United States. The company expressed its commitment to prioritizing safety while working closely with operators. “We apologize for the inconvenience caused,” the statement read.
American Airlines reported that approximately 340 of its A320 aircraft will need the software updates. The airline estimates that the majority of these fixes can be completed within the next couple of days, averaging about two hours per plane.
As of now, Airbus has not provided further comments regarding the ongoing situation to various media outlets. Nonetheless, the implications of these changes are expected to be felt across the aviation sector, particularly during peak travel periods.