Emirates starts A380 checks after Airbus wing crack discovery
Dubai airline works with Airbus and regulators to avoid schedule disruptions
DUBAI – Dubai-based Emirates has confirmed it will begin inspections of some Airbus A380 aircraft after cracks were detected in a key structural component of the superjumbo’s wing.
The airline said its A380 fleet remains safe to operate and it will follow the required checks under an airworthiness directive issued by aviation authorities. The inspections come after Airbus identified a need to examine 16 A380 aircraft operated by Emirates and Australia’s Qantas.
Emirates said the inspections will begin within the next 48 hours, with any required maintenance work completed before aircraft are returned to service. The Dubai carrier added that it is maintaining close coordination with Airbus and relevant authorities to reduce any impact on its flight operations.
“Emirates will comply and carry out the inspections required in accordance with the airworthiness directive. Inspections will commence within the next 48 hours, and any work required will be carried out before releasing aircraft to service,” the airline said.
Safety checks
Airbus announced that 16 A380 aircraft would undergo inspections after cracks were discovered in a structural beam that runs along the wing and helps carry aerodynamic loads during flight. Of the aircraft identified, 15 are operated by Emirates, while one belongs to Qantas.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ordered the checks after the issue was identified during routine maintenance inspections. The regulator’s directive noted that cracks in the affected area could reduce the structural integrity of the wing.
Emirates has not revealed how many aircraft from its fleet are directly affected by the inspection requirement. The airline operates the world’s largest Airbus A380 fleet, accounting for more than half of all active superjumbo aircraft globally.
Fleet upgrades
Emirates operates a fleet consisting of Airbus A380s, Airbus A350s and Boeing 777 aircraft, with more than 200 A380 and Boeing 777 planes undergoing a major refurbishment programme. The airline recently completed the first retrofit of its two-class A380 aircraft as part of its wider fleet enhancement plans.
The carrier’s A380 aircraft remain a major part of its global network, connecting passengers across key international routes. The inspection process will determine whether any additional technical work is required before affected aircraft continue scheduled operations.
Emirates will begin inspections of its Airbus A380 fleet after Airbus identified wing component cracks in aircraft operated by the airline and Qantas.