The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has ordered urgent inspections on 16 Airbus A380 aircraft after cracks were discovered in a key wing component, leading to the immediate grounding of five planes operated by Emirates and one from Qantas.
Wing Cracks Found During Routine Maintenance
The cracks appeared in a structural beam that runs along the wing and carries much of the aerodynamic load during flight, according to Airbus. Inspectors discovered the issue during routine maintenance checks, prompting the EASA to issue an airworthiness directive requiring airlines to examine the wing-spar structure on the affected jets.
Of the 16 planes to be inspected, 15 are operated by Emirates and one by Qantas. The five aircraft to be inspected immediately are all flown by Emirates, and they were scheduled to undergo the process as soon as Wednesday.
Previous Wing Issues and Fleet Impact
This is not the first time the A380 has faced wing-related problems. In 2012, the EASA ordered inspections after cracks were found in brackets linking the wing skin to internal ribs, affecting the entire global A380 fleet and leading to a costly repair programme. Airbus addressed those issues through design changes on planes produced later.
The current directive targets A380s with a specific production history. Airbus will carry out immediate inspections on five aircraft and discuss with the EASA whether repairs are necessary, an Airbus spokesperson said. The 11 other aircraft can be inspected later, but before their thirteenth flight cycle, where one cycle consists of a flight, a takeoff, and a landing.
Airlines Affected and Qantas Response
Airlines operating the A380 include Emirates, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Etihad Airways, ANA, and Asiana Airlines. Emirates operates the largest A380 fleet in the world, flying over half of all active superjumbos.
A Qantas spokesperson said there was no impact to Qantas flights as a result of the airworthiness directive. “We have one A380, which requires additional inspections,” they said in a statement. “The aircraft was already in scheduled maintenance and we will comply with any additional requirements as a result of this airworthiness directive.”
