Airbus has issued an immediate software update directive for a significant portion of its widely-used A320 family of aircraft. The urgent measure comes after an incident revealed that intense solar radiation could potentially corrupt critical flight control data, posing a risk to aircraft operations. This proactive step aims to ensure the continued safety and integrity of the A320 fleet, which numbers six thousand worldwide.
The need for this rapid software fix was identified following a specific event on October 30th, where a JetBlue flight experienced an uncommanded sharp loss of altitude. Investigations into this incident pointed towards a vulnerability in the flight control systems that could be affected by intense solar radiation. Consequently, Airbus is working closely with aviation authorities, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which has issued an emergency directive mandating the update before the next routine flight.
The implementation of this software update is expected to cause disruptions to flight schedules for a considerable number of airlines, particularly over busy travel weekends. Industry sources estimate that as many as half of the global A320 fleet, potentially thousands of jets, may be affected. Airlines are working to implement the fix, which for many aircraft involves reverting to a previous software version and is estimated to take around two hours per plane.
However, for a smaller number of affected jets, a hardware change might be necessary, which could lead to significantly longer grounding periods. Major carriers like American Airlines and Wizz Air have confirmed they are carrying out the necessary updates, with American Airlines expecting the majority of its affected aircraft to be fixed within a day or two. Other airlines, such as United Airlines, have stated they are not impacted by this particular issue.
Airbus has acknowledged the potential for operational disruptions and has apologized for any inconvenience caused to passengers and customers. The manufacturer is prioritizing safety and is collaborating closely with all operators to ensure the swift and efficient resolution of this matter. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for any updates regarding their travel plans.
