Key facts
- Airbus will inspect 16 A380 aircraft for wing cracks.
- The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ordered the inspections.
- Cracks were found in a critical wing component.
- Fifteen affected planes are operated by Emirates.
- One affected plane is operated by Qantas.
- Five of the inspections must be carried out immediately.
Airbus is set to inspect 16 of its A380 superjumbo aircraft due to concerns over wing cracks. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has mandated urgent checks for these planes after cracks were identified in a critical wing component. Of the 16 aircraft requiring inspection, 15 are operated by Emirates, and the remaining one is flown by Qantas. Five of these inspections are to be conducted immediately, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The A380, known for its double-deck design, has faced production challenges and declining demand in recent years, leading Airbus to end its production in 2021. This inspection order adds another layer of scrutiny to the iconic, yet increasingly rare, superjumbo jet.