The A320 is a widely used aircraft type globally. This recall could impact over half the world's fleet, threatening to disrupt weekend travel.

This marks one of the largest recalls in Airbus's 55-year history. It occurs just weeks after the A320 surpassed the Boeing 737 as the most delivered aircraft globally. When Airbus notified over 350 operators of the aircraft type, approximately 3,000 A320s were in the air.

An Airbus A320neo during its first flight in France in 2014. Photo: Reuters

Airbus stated that a recent incident indicated solar radiation could damage critical data for the flight control system. Reuters cited industry sources, noting this followed an incident on a JetBlue flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, US, on 30/10, where several passengers were injured after the aircraft experienced a sharp drop in altitude.

This A320 made an emergency landing in Tampa, Florida, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch an investigation. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) also issued an emergency mandatory repair directive on 28/11.

According to Airbus, the repair primarily involves reinstalling a previous software version and is relatively simple, but must be completed before the aircraft's next flight. Airlines from the US to South America, Europe, India, and New Zealand have warned that these repairs could lead to flight delays or cancellations.

American Airlines, the world's largest A320 operator, stated that approximately 340 of its 480 A320s require repairs. The airline anticipates most repairs will be completed by 29/11, with each aircraft taking about two hours.

Globally, approximately 11,300 A320 aircraft are currently active. Four of the world's top 10 A320 operators are from the US, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United Airlines. Chinese, European, and Indian carriers are also significant customers of the type.

By Ha Thu, via Reuters