Written by Jonny Williamson
As a result of previous inspections EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency), have ordered all 68 A380s currently in operation to be meticulously inspected. EASA reported that the initial check on just 20 planes had “identified a new form of cracking and the condition which, if not detected and corrected, may lead to a reduction of the structural integrity of the aeroplane”.
Airbus has stated that they have already started carrying out a temporary fix, with a more permanent solution expected to be implemented promptly.
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The checks came about as a result of Quantas Airways, Australia’s biggest airline, having to suspend the use of one A380 after finding 36 cracks in the plane’s wing components. Quantas workers found the cracks, approximately 2cm long, in the wing rib feet, metal brackets that connect the wings internal structure to the outer-skin. Each A380 wing has nearly 2000 of these feet within it, although the manufacturers themselves insist that only a small number have been compromised.
Airbus’ A380 has been hit by setbacks since its 2005 unveiling at a ceremony in Toulouse, France (where the company is based). Initial deliveries were highly delayed due to setbacks with, among other things, the installation of electrical wiring, potentially causing the mooted reception of the craft by potential customers. The manufacturer took another knock more recently after engine failure led to technical difficulties forcing the Singapore to Sydney flight to divert back to Singapore and make an emergency landing.
