Global Airline Disruptions Due to Software Update
As the weekend approaches, airlines globally are experiencing transient interruptions while rectifying software on a widely utilised commercial aircraft. This action follows an analysis that suggested a potentially detrimental computer code may have contributed to a JetBlue aircraft’s abrupt altitude drop last month.
On Friday, Airbus disclosed that an investigation into the JetBlue occurrence revealed that intense solar radiation could compromise vital data integral to the flight control systems of the A320 family of aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, has mandated that airlines implement a software remedy. Over 500 aircraft registered in the United States will be affected by this update.
The EU safety agency acknowledged that this situation could lead to “short-term disruption” in flight schedules. Their findings attribute the problem to a recent software update affecting the aircraft’s onboard computers.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury extended an apology to customers, acknowledging that the necessary rectifications have resulted in “significant logistical challenges and delays.”
“Our teams are tirelessly working to support our operators and ensure these updates are executed as efficiently as possible, reinstating normal operations and maintaining the safety assurance you expect from Airbus,” he articulated in a LinkedIn message on Saturday.
Thanksgiving Travel Disruptions in the United States
In Japan, All Nippon Airways, which operates over 30 aircraft, cancelled 65 domestic flights on Saturday, with further cancellations anticipated for Sunday.
This software modification coincides with the busy Thanksgiving travel period in the United States, as passengers return home.
American Airlines operates approximately 480 aircraft from the A320 family, with 209 requiring updates. The airline reported that the fix should take around two hours per aircraft and expects the majority to be completed by Friday.
By Saturday, the airline announced that merely four aircraft remained to be updated, asserting that it “anticipates no further operational impact.”
Meanwhile, Air India indicated via social media that its engineers have addressed the issue on over 40% of the impacted aircraft without any flight cancellations reported.
Delta Airlines expects minimal impact, with fewer than 50 of its A321neo aircraft affected, while United Airlines reported only six planes experiencing minor flight disruptions. Hawaiian Airlines confirmed it remains unaffected.
Papal Flight also requires a Software Update
Pope Leo XIV is currently on his inaugural foreign visit to Turkey and Lebanon, aboard an ITA Airways chartered Airbus A320neo with a papal entourage and press corps.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni stated that ITA is addressing the issue, with the necessary component and technician en route to Istanbul for installation. The Pope is scheduled to fly from Istanbul to Beirut on Sunday afternoon.
European Flights Returning to Normalcy
In France, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot reported a stabilisation of the situation, attributing it to the successful installation of several software updates. He noted an “almost complete return to normal” across French airports during an interview with BFM-TV.
In the United Kingdom, disruptions remained minimal. For instance, British Airways reported that only three of its aircraft required the software update, whereas EasyJet noted potential alterations to its schedule should passengers be kept informed.
Lufthansa indicated that the majority of required software updates were accomplished overnight and on Saturday morning, stating no cancellations are expected, though minor delays may occur over the weekend.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) reported normal operations on Saturday following overnight efforts to implement the required software updates.
Mike Stengel, a partner at aerospace industry consultancy AeroDynamic Advisory, mentioned that fixes could likely be conducted between flights or during overnight checks.
“It’s certainly not ideal for these issues to arise in such widespread aircraft during a peak travel period,” Stengel remarked, while noting the silver lining that updates should only take a few hours to complete.
At least 15 passengers aboard JetBlue sustained injuries and required hospitalisation following the incident on October 30 during a flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, which diverted to Tampa, Florida.
Airbus, headquartered in France but registered in the Netherlands, ranks among the preeminent aircraft producers globally alongside Boeing.
The A320 competes directly with Boeing’s 737, with Stengel noting that Airbus enhanced its engine in the mid-2010s.
Aircraft in this category are referred to as A320neo, and Airbus designates the A320 as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family.
Contributors to this report include Associated Press reporters Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo, Jennifer Kelleher in Honolulu, Geir Moulson in Berlin, Samuel Petrequin, Pan Pylas in London, and Nicole Winfield in Istanbul.
Source link: Hotsr.com.
