Global airlines raced to resolve a software issue on Airbus A320 jets on Sunday, following a partial recall by the European manufacturer. This mandatory update coincided with one of the busiest travel weekends of the year (Thanksgiving travel in the US) and caused disruption for hundreds of flights across Asia and Europe.

The Cause and Scope of the Issue

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued the emergency airworthiness directive (AD) for A320 fleets worldwide. The precautionary action followed a mid-air pitch-down incident involving a JetBlue A320 in October.

• The Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC), a crucial flight control system, is the source of the issue.

• Investigations revealed that intense solar radiation could corrupt data critical to flight controls on many A320 jets. Uncorrected ELAC issues could, in rare cases, lead to uncommanded elevator movement, potentially exceeding structural limits.

• Up to 6,000 Airbus A320 family aircraft globally may require software or hardware updates.

• Most aircraft require a software update, typically taking about three hours. However, approximately 900 older planes require hardware replacement and cannot carry passengers until completed.

Manufacturer Response

Airbus and regulators mandated that airlines address the problem before resuming flights. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury apologized for the disruption, acknowledging the "significant logistical challenges and delays."

UAE Airlines Wrap Up Updates, Resume Normal Service

UAE airlines acted swiftly on the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) order regarding A320 safety. The civil aviation authority has vowed the 'quick, effective implementation of all directives.'

Etihad swiftly completed the Airbus software fix and has restored its full A320 service and schedule amid the global Airbus recall.

Air Arabia completed the A320 update with 'minimal impact.' The carrier restored its normal schedule following the swift technical installation across its fleet. The airline had anticipated finishing its updates by the end of the day and confirmed that any affected passengers would be notified directly.

Globally, a French transport minister has noted that the situation appears to be stabilizing, with only around 100 jets now expected to face longer servicing.

Continuing Flight Delays and Groundings

Despite the success achieved in the UAE, significant operational delays continue in other major markets as carriers struggle to complete the mandated software and hardware fixes.

India: Flights in India may face delays as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded multiple A320 jets. Carriers impacted by the A320 software and hardware updates include IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express.

Philippines: Following the Airbus A320 recall, Cebu Pacific canceled flights. The airline is offering affected passengers flexible options, including rebooking, refunds, or travel fund use.

Saudi Arabia: Both Saudia and flynas are currently reviewing their A320 fleets following the Airbus directive. The airlines are assessing potential delays resulting from the urgent A320 fixes ordered by Airbus.

The comprehensive updates are deemed mandatory to mitigate the identified risk of corrupted flight-control data, ensuring the continued airworthiness of the popular A320 models worldwide.

The Americas and Europe (Stabilizing):

• European flights stabilized with an "almost complete return to normal" at French airports. Lufthansa completed most updates overnight, expecting minor delays.

• In the US, the fix coincided with the busiest Thanksgiving travel period.

    American Airlines anticipates servicing most of its 209 affected A320-family planes by Saturday, albeit with some anticipated delays.

    Delta anticipates completing updates on its fewer than 50 affected A321neo aircraft by Saturday morning.

    ◦ United Airlines identified six affected aircraft, expecting minor disruptions.

• Avianca issued a warning of "significant disruptions over the next 10 days," citing the impact on around 70% of its fleet.

Passengers are urged to check the latest updates with their airlines before travelling, although no accidents have been directly linked to the solar-radiation issue, as the alert is precautionary

Source: Gulf News