Airbus said it will inspect 16 A380 aircraft, including five immediately, after cracks were found in a key wing component on planes operated by Emirates and Qantas, according to RTHK.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ordered urgent inspections requiring airlines to examine the wing-spar structure after cracks were discovered during routine maintenance checks. Airbus said the cracks appeared in a structural beam running along the wing that carries much of the aerodynamic load during flight.
Of the 16 aircraft, 15 are operated by Emirates and one by Qantas. The five aircraft to be inspected immediately are flown by Emirates and were to undergo the process as soon as Wednesday. Airbus said all A380s with the same production history have been identified.
An Airbus spokesperson said the company will discuss with EASA whether repairs are necessary. The remaining 11 aircraft can be inspected later, but before their thirteenth flight, or 25 cycles, with one cycle consisting of a flight, a takeoff and a landing.
Airbus noted the A380 has faced wing-related issues before, including EASA-ordered inspections in 2012 after cracks were found in brackets linking the wing skin to internal ribs.
Airbus to Inspect 16 A380s After Wing Component Cracks Found on Emirates, Qantas Jets
2026-06-24 00:07:21
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