Update 19:00 GMT Breaking News
Airbus A320 repairs must be before next flight
Airlines affected by the widespread recall of Airbus A320 jets to correct a software glitch must complete the required fix before the aircraft’s next scheduled flight, except when conducting a repositioning flight to a repair facility, according to an Airbus bulletin issued on Friday. This would involve some 6,000 jets, or over half the global fleet.
Aviation News – Airbus has issued an immediate alert to airlines after an investigation found that intense solar radiation can corrupt critical flight-control data on A320 Family aircraft, prompting swift regulatory action.
The issue surfaced following analysis of a recent in-service event, leading Airbus to coordinate with aviation authorities to ensure rapid mitigation. The company distributed an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) to carriers, outlining the required software and hardware protections. The measures will be formalized in an Emergency Airworthiness Directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The identified vulnerability involves solar radiation disrupting onboard systems that support flight-control functions. While rare, the potential interference underscores the importance of robust data-protection measures and highlights the operational sensitivity of modern digital flight architectures.
“Airbus is taking all necessary steps to safeguard the A320 Family fleet, working closely with regulators to ensure operators can apply protections without delay,” an Airbus spokesperson said.
Airlines are now preparing to implement the prescribed updates, helping prevent recurrence and strengthening system resilience. The directive is expected to accelerate deployment of long-term protective solutions across the global fleet.
This development reinforces the aviation sector’s need to adapt to evolving environmental and technological risks. With regulators and manufacturers aligned, the industry aims to maintain confidence in the world’s most widely used narrow-body aircraft while monitoring future radiation-related vulnerabilities.
Photo Rob Vogelaar
