Airbus Restores A320 Flight Operations Globally Following Software Updates
PARIS – Thousands of Airbus A320 aircraft worldwide are returning to regular service after a temporary grounding order prompted by concerns over potential interference from solar radiation with onboard flight control computers. The issue, affecting approximately 6,000 planes, led to disruptions for airlines across the globe.
Airbus, the France-based aerospace manufacturer, identified the problem following an incident on October 30th involving a JetBlue flight traveling between Cancun, Mexico, and Newark, New Jersey. the company afterward issued a directive to operators utilizing the affected software to halt flights immediately.
The bulk of the resolution involved software updates, successfully implemented on over 5,000 aircraft, according to French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot. Approximately 900 planes required the replacement of a computer component. Tabarot confirmed the upgrades “went smoothly” for the majority of the fleet.
While the situation largely stabilized quickly, disruptions varied by region. Air France experienced delays and cancellations for flights departing and arriving at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. The United states, particularly during the busy Thanksgiving travel weekend, faced more significant challenges.Australia’s Jetstar Airways was forced to cancel 90 flights, impacting roughly a third of its A320 fleet, with ongoing disruptions anticipated throughout the weekend despite widespread upgrades. The United Kingdom experienced limited impact.
Airbus confirmed in a statement that it proactively requested the flight stoppages to address the technical failure and ensure passenger safety. With the majority of updates now complete, normal flight schedules are being restored.
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