All airlines using the Airbus A380 – the world’s biggest passenger aircraft – are advised to check their aircraft after cracks have been found in the wings.
Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Airbus admitted that they had discovered cracks reports the Daily Mail, but maintained that the aircraft were safe.
“We confirm that cracks were found on non-critical wing attachments on a limited number of A380s,” an Airbus spokesperson said.
“We've traced the origin of these hairline cracks, and developed an inspection and repair procedure which can be done during routine maintenance.”
UK engineers say that the cracks should encourage all airlines to check their aircraft but added that small cracks were unlikely to affect aircraft operation.
Philippa Oldham, head of transport at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers said: “The cracks detected by Qantas and Singapore Airlines on some of the wings Airbus A380 should lead to all airlines using the A380 to inspect their aircraft thoroughly.
“But these cracks are very small, will be monitored by the airline, and are unlikely to affect aircraft operation.
“Airlines approved by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) have very strict regulations and require there to be rigorous inspection procedures so an aircraft would not be allowed to fly unless it was deemed to be fully airworthy by the authority or their delegates.”
In total, 67 Airbus A380s are in use worldwide on Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Air France, Lufthansa, Korean Airlines and China Southern.
The aircraft has been in service for five years.
By Diane Evans
