Airbus recalls around 6,000 A320 models due to data corrupted by sun radiation

The measure, which is affecting half of the 12,200 A320 on service, is due to intense solar radiation that may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls. Airbus took this decision following an “event” in the United States on a JetBlue aircraft on October 30, explained a spokesperson from the company.

In the detail, the JetBlue Airbus A320 experienced a flight control problem due to a computer malfunction while in cruise phase between Cancun, Mexico and Newark, USA

The analysis of the technical incident, “revealed that intense solar radiation could corrupt essential data for the operation of flight controls,” told Airbus.

Airbus has consequently identified a significant number of A320 Family aircraft currently in-service which may be impacted. Airbus notified all of its customers using navigation software on its A320 model “to immediately stop flights” to urgently replace a control software vulnerable to solar radiation.

Airbus has worked proactively with the aviation authorities to request immediate precautionary action from operators via an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) in order to implement the available software and/or hardware protection, and ensure the fleet is safe to fly. 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. Following the warning, airports experienced many cancelled flights as airlines withdrew from many routes. Many A320 could however be immediately back into service as technical support was automatically performed by Airbus.

The company meanwhile acknowledges that its recommendations to ground aircraft will lead to operational disruptions to passengers and customers and wish to apologise to all.