SINGAPORE – Airbus has launched an internal investigation into how cracks developed inside the wings of the A380, after emergency safety checks were extended to the entire fleet of superjumbos.
Airbus chief executive Tom Enders said the world’s largest and most advanced passenger airliner was “absolutely safe to fly” but an inquiry is under way. The company would ensure the flaws, created during the manufacturing process, are not repeated with the A350 mid-sized jetliner project.
“Are we learning from this? Absolutely. We are taking lessons from the A380 programme for the A350 programme.”
Mr Enders declined to comment on a report that expanding the checking regime to all 67 A380s in service would cost Airbus €100 million, because it is liable for losses incurred by airlines when the airplanes are temporarily taken out of service and, if necessary, fitted with new parts.
– ( Guardianservice)