Skyward Recovery: Airbus Planes Soar Back After Solar Radiation Scare

Thousands of Airbus planes are returning to regular service after a temporary ground halt due to concerns over solar radiation affecting onboard computer systems. Airbus, a leading aerospace manufacturer, reported that around 6,000 A320 planes were impacted, with software updates being necessary for most aircraft, while nearly 900 older models require computer replacements to ensure safety.

On Saturday, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot noted that the update process for over 5,000 planes was executed smoothly, with fewer than 100 still awaiting modifications. Airbus’s CEO, Guillaume Faury, expressed regret for the logistical challenges faced and assured that teams were working diligently to complete necessary updates swiftly.

Following the warning, various airlines experienced delays and cancellations, especially at Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport. Notably, American Airlines and Delta Airlines reported expected operational delays, but anticipated minimal impact based on the rapid progress of updates.

Despite the situation, the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority reported that disruptions were manageable with airlines working continuously to mitigate impact. Airports like Gatwick and Heathrow experienced a mixed bag of delays but avoided major cancellations. EasyJet and Wizz Air stated they completed updates for most of their fleet and operated normally.

In contrast, Jetstar in Australia had to cancel 90 flights, with some disruptions anticipated as they continued updates over the weekend. Other airlines headquartered in regions affected by the announcement, such as Air New Zealand, grounded their A320 planes but quickly resumed services once updates were completed.

The alert originated after a JetBlue Airways incident in October, where a plane lost altitude unexpectedly, leading to an emergency landing with 15 injuries. Investigations found that the A320’s software had vulnerabilities that could be compromised by intense solar radiation at altitudes. This concern extends not only to the A320 but also affects the A318, A319, and A321 models. Fortunately, updates and replacements are progressing, poised to restore full functionality across the Airbus fleet.