Airbus to Inspect A380 Wings for Cracks After Safety Agency Order

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus is launching an investigation into 16 of its flagship A380 passenger jets following the discovery of cracks in their wings. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has mandated urgent inspections for these specific aircraft, which are predominantly operated by Emirates and Qantas.

The issue came to light during a routine inspection when technicians identified cracks in a critical structural beam running along the wing. This beam is essential for bearing a significant portion of the aerodynamic load experienced during flight. In response to the findings, Easa has directed both Emirates and Qantas to have their A380 wings thoroughly examined.

Airbus plans to conduct immediate investigations on five of the affected aircraft, with the remaining ones scheduled for inspection at a later date. Emirates currently operates the world's largest fleet of A380s, the largest passenger aircraft globally. The discovery raises concerns about the structural integrity of these superjumbo jets, which are known for their size and capacity.