How many A380s are affected by the new wing inspection directive?

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Sixteen Airbus A380 Aircraft to Undergo Wing Inspections Following Crack Discovery

Airbus has announced that 16 of its A380 aircraft will be subject to wing inspections due to the identification of cracks in a critical wing component. This directive, mandated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), requires airlines to examine the wing-spar structure of the affected superjumbos. The majority of these aircraft, 15 in total, are operated by Emirates, with the remaining one flown by Qantas.
Immediate Inspections for Five Superjumbos

Of the 16 A380s identified for inspection, five will undergo immediate checks. These five aircraft are all operated by Emirates and were scheduled to commence their inspections as early as Wednesday. Airbus has identified all A380s that share a similar production history to the affected aircraft, ensuring a comprehensive review of potential issues.
Wing-Spar Structure Under Scrutiny

The cracks were discovered in a structural beam within the wing, a component that bears a significant portion of the aerodynamic load during flight. EASA ordered these urgent inspections after the cracks were found during routine maintenance checks, highlighting a potential concern for the structural integrity of the wing.
Phased Inspections for Remaining Aircraft

While five aircraft will be inspected immediately, the remaining 11 A380s have a later inspection deadline. These planes must undergo their checks before completing their thirteenth flight, which is equivalent to 25 cycles of takeoff and landing. Airbus will engage with EASA to determine the necessity of any repairs following these inspections.

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How many A380s are affected by the new wing inspection directive?

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