Airbus Issues Precautionary Software Update For A320, Cautions Possible Air Traffic Disruption

ISTANBUL, Nov 29 (Bernama-Anadolu/dpa) -- Airbus on Friday directed an immediate precautionary software update for its A320 family after identifying that intense solar radiation could corrupt data critical to flight-control functions, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

In a statement on Friday, Airbus said it has consequently identified a significant number of A320 Family aircraft currently in-service which may be impacted.

It added that Airbus has worked proactively with the aviation authorities to request immediate precautionary action from operators via an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT).

“This AOT will be reflected in an Emergency Airworthiness Directive from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

“Airbus acknowledges these recommendations will lead to operational disruptions to passengers and customers.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and will work closely with operators, while keeping safety as our number one and overriding priority,” the statement added.

After the announcement, Turkiye's flag carrier Turkish Airlines began to implement the necessary procedures for its eight aircraft.

“Eight A320 aircraft in our fleet have been assessed under this framework and will be safely returned to service after completing procedures in accordance with the relevant instructions.

“During this process, we are following the instructions of all relevant stabilisation agencies, especially EASA, and are cooperating with Airbus to ensure the necessary software updates,” Yahya Ustun, senior vice president communications at the flag carrier, said on X.

Meanwhile, German Press Agency (dpa) reported the Toulouse-based manufacturer said some 6,000 Airbus aircraft in the A320 series must be inspected before further operation.

The recommendations can be expected to lead to operational disruptions to passengers and customers, it added.

Overall, there are currently around 11,000 A320 series aircraft in operation worldwide, Airbus said.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU/dpa