Airbus just spells it out, in announcing an impressive new software update for its A320-family of airliners. This revision affects all A318, A319, A320, and A321 model aircraft. This problem affects over 6,000 planes, nearly the entire global fleet of Airbus. The news comes on the heels of a dramatic close call involving a JetBlue Airways A320. On October 30th, the aircraft returned for an emergency landing in Florida after an uncommanded loss of altitude, injuring at least 15 passengers.
The A320, best-selling of Airbus’s aircraft, equipped on the basis of the “fly by wire” control system. Another recently identified issue has emerged with the Electronic Flight Control Computer (ELAC). This system is particularly safety critical, as it directly controls key flight operations such as elevators and ailerons. At high altitudes, the high solar and cosmic radiation can affect the ELAC computer’s operations. This narrowing and disruption of traffic raises serious safety concerns.
Airbus added that around 5,100 of the affected aircraft would be able to address the problem with a simple software upgrade. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) indicated that implementing these updates could lead to “some disruption and cancellations to flights.”
Tim Johnson, policy director at CAA, said that updating those technology and service standards would change what it means to be an airline.
“That unfortunately may mean there is some disruption, some delays or cancellations over the coming days.” – Tim Johnson, policy director at CAA
Airlines should be preparing for these changes. Giancarlo Buono, the recent director of aviation safety at CAA, encourages passengers to be proactive about their flight.
“Passengers should check with their airline whether their flights are affected. Airlines have a duty of care to look after passengers when a flight is delayed.” – Giancarlo Buono, director of aviation safety at CAA
In their confirmation, easyJet reiterated their unwavering dedication to safety along with the need to adhere to manufacturers’ recommendations.
“Safety is our highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with manufacturers guidelines,” – EasyJet
The CAA has emphasized that airlines operating the A320 family will need to adjust their software over the coming days. In many instances, this can force aircraft to be kept on the ground until the retrofit is finalized.
While most airlines are expected to manage the updates with minimal disruption, travelers should prepare for possible delays or cancellations as the situation unfolds. EasyJet made similar recognition when it admitted that the future effects on its operations would be “material”.
“We are expecting this to result in some disruption,” – EasyJet