Airbus grounds fleet after finding solar radiation risk could impact aircraft systems

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Airbus grounds fleet after finding solar radiation risk could impact aircraft systems 

Airbus has issued an urgent direction after it was discovered that intense solar irradiation could interfere with flight control systems, resulting in worldwide delays.

According to reports, around 6,000 A320 planes are thought to be badly affected, but they will be able to resume operations after installing the new version.

The issue came to light after an investigation into an incident in October where a plane flying between the US and Mexico lost altitude.

The A320 family’s vulnerability has impacted the A318, A319 and the A321 models.

The 900 aircraft of original versions still require the installation of new flight control computers before they can carry passengers again, until the required modification is completed.

In this connection, Aviation analyst Sally Hethin told the BBC, "the situation is very much out of the ordinary, and the disruption will depend on the different approaches" airlines use to modify software.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has issued aviation directives requiring airlines to address the problem before carrying passengers.

Meanwhile, the manufacturer said that the fix depends on the configuration of each jet.

It was confirmed that about 5,100 aircraft can be returned to service after a software update, taking approximately three hours.

The UK’s aviation regulator said that travelers should expect some disruption though effects at Heathrow have been limited, while Gatwick reported some disruption.

On the contrary, American airlines said 340 of its aircraft required the update and anticipated some operational delays, but expected to complete most updates immediately.

The unknown software vulnerability to solar radiation coincided with the busy Thanksgiving travel period.

The UK Transport Secretary, however, said that the impact on UK carriers appeared limited and welcomed the immediate identification of the issue, ensuring the continued safety of the A320 family despite the resulting disruption.