Emirates To Inspect A380 Fleet After Wing Crack Concerns Trigger Safety Checks

Some of the world’s biggest passenger planes are heading in for extra checks after engineers found cracks in parts of the Airbus A380’s wing structure. The inspections affect 16 aircraft in total, and almost all of them belong to Emirates, while one aircraft from Qantas is also included.

Airbus A380 Wing Checks Ordered for Emirates and Qantas Aircraft

For passengers, there is no immediate reason to worry. Regulators have not suggested that the wider A380 fleet is unsafe to fly. But they do want airlines and engineers to take a closer look before small problems become bigger ones. And in aviation, that’s usually how things work best.

Emirates Has The Largest Number Of Aircraft Affected

Out of the 16 aircraft named in the directive, 15 are operated by Emirates. That isn’t entirely surprising when you consider the Dubai airline runs the world’s biggest A380 fleet, with more than 100 of the double-decker aircraft still flying passengers across the globe.

Five of the affected jets will need inspections before they can fly again, as mentioned in a report by The National. The remaining aircraft have a little more time and must be checked within the next 25 flight cycles. Also, regulators have allowed empty positioning flights if aircraft need to move to maintenance facilities for inspections.

Also Read: Emirates Named World’s Best Airline Again, Clinching Three Prestigious Travel Awards

Engineers Are Looking At A Specific Part Of The Wing

According to Arabian Business, the area under review sits deep inside the wing structure in sections known as the mid spars. But these components help distribute loads across the wing during flight, take-off and landing. If cracks develop and remain unnoticed for long periods, they could eventually weaken parts of the structure.

Airbus has already prepared inspection procedures, and airlines have been told to report findings within seven days, whether problems are discovered or not.

Also Read: 22 Hours In The Air? World’s Longest Flight Is Closer Than Ever As Qantas Completes Key Test Flight

Qantas Says Flights Will Continue As Normal

Only one Qantas aircraft is affected by the order, as per Aerospace Global News.  The airline says the aircraft was already in Germany for scheduled maintenance work, meaning there should be no disruption to passengers or flight schedules. That said, the inspections will add more work for maintenance teams as many A380S move deeper into their operating lives.

Ageing Aircraft Bring New Challenges

The A380 first entered commercial service in 2007 and quickly became one of the most recognisable aircraft ever built. It’s enormous, with nearly 80 metres from wingtip to wingtip and capable of carrying hundreds of passengers at a time.

Similar checks took place in previous years involving different parts of the wing. For many airlines, it’s simply part of operating aircraft that have now spent almost two decades in the sky.

Cover Image Courtesy: Emirates/X

For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.