Airbus A380 aircraft require checks for possible wing cracks

[BRUSSELS] The European Union Aviation Safety Agency is asking some operators of Airbus SE A380 jets to perform additional special inspections on the wings of the aircraft after identifying possible cracks in the structure.

“It has been determined that the cracks found on certain aeroplanes could reduce the structural integrity of the wing,” the agency said in a so-called airworthiness directive issued June 22. “To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus determined that an additional special detailed inspection has to be accomplished.” 

A total of 16 aircraft require additional checks, according to the directive. Of those, 15 are operated by Emirates, while one unit is flown by Qantas Airways. Emirates is the world’s largest operator of the A380, with more 100 of the double-decker in its fleet. 

The European manufacturer has struggled previously with similar issues on the A380, its largest jet ever produced. Airlines had to ground their jets for several weeks in 2012 after cracks emerged in wing components. 

The wing-crack debacle cost the planemaker hundreds of millions in repair and service costs and delayed deliveries to airlines. Airbus no longer makes the model after it waned in demand as carriers preferred smaller, more fuel efficient jets. BLOOMBERG