This archive report was first published on 9 July 2019.
On July 5, 2019, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an airworthiness directive in response to reports of cracks in certain parts of the wing on in-service A380 aeroplanes.
The directive, which does not yet ground any aircraft, advises ultrasonic testing on 25 of the 234 A380 aircraft in operation, particularly those built more than 15 years ago.
According to the EASA, the condition could reduce the structural integrity of the wing if not detected and corrected.
"This airworthiness directive is considered an interim action, limited to the 25 oldest wing sets," the EASA said.
It is not the first time the A380 has experienced such problems, with a wing-crack debacle in 2012 costing Airbus millions of euros in repair and service costs.
Responding to the directive, Airbus stated that "airworthiness directives are standard in aviation and demonstrate the regulatory process working well. Aviation is one of the most regulated of any sectors. Safety is the top priority in aviation."
