Airbus orders checks on 16 A380s after wing cracks found
What's new: EASA wants five Emirates jets inspected at once, while 11 others must be checked within 13 flights.
Airbus will inspect 16 A380 aircraft after cracks were found in a key wing component on jets flown by Emirates and Qantas. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency ordered urgent checks of the wing-spar structure after routine maintenance uncovered cracks that could weaken the wing’s structural integrity. Airbus said five Emirates aircraft will be examined immediately, starting as soon as June 24. The other 11 planes — 10 more operated by Emirates and one by Qantas — must be inspected before their next 13 flights. Airbus said it had identified all A380s with the same production history and will discuss with EASA whether repairs are needed.