Airbus is carrying out inspections on a number of Airbus A380 aircraft after cracks were discovered in a critical wing structure component during routine maintenance checks.
The inspections follow an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which identified concerns involving the wing-spar structure on certain aircraft. The wing spar is a key load-bearing element that supports the aerodynamic forces experienced during flight.
A total of 16 aircraft have been identified for inspection, including 15 operated by Emirates and one by Qantas. Airbus said five Emirates aircraft require immediate checks, while the remaining jets must be inspected within a specified operating window before accumulating additional flight cycles.
Engineers are due to assess the extent of the findings and determine whether corrective measures or repairs will be required.
Emirates, the world’s largest Airbus A380 operator, accounts for more than half of the global active fleet of the double-decker aircraft. Other airlines still flying the A380 include Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, ANA, Asiana Airlines and Qantas.
The latest inspections revive memories of previous wing-related concerns involving the A380 program. In 2012, regulators ordered fleet-wide checks after cracks were discovered in wing brackets connecting the aircraft’s outer skin to internal structural ribs. Airbus subsequently introduced design modifications and repairs across the fleet.
The most affected airline could be Emirates. The Dubai carrier said to fully comply with the inspection requirements and to work closely with Airbus and aviation regulators throughout the process. Emirates added that any necessary repairs will be completed before affected aircraft return to service and emphasized it is taking steps to minimize any impact on its flight schedule.
Meanwhile, Qantas said the directive will not affect its current flight schedule. The airline confirmed its single affected aircraft is already undergoing planned maintenance and will receive any additional inspections required under the latest regulatory guidance.
