Overview
- Airbus and EASA directed operators to apply software or hardware protections on a significant number of A320-family jets before their next flight, with the company indicating the action could touch about 6,000 aircraft.
- Most aircraft are cleared after a quick software rollback taking roughly two to three hours, while older jets may need hardware replacements that could take weeks, though France’s transport minister said far fewer than 1,000 may require prolonged work.
- The mandate follows a JetBlue A320’s October 30 uncommanded pitch-down and emergency landing in Tampa; the issue was traced to ELAC, and supplier Thales said the relevant functionality lies in software outside its responsibility.
- European carriers reported limited impact after overnight updates—easyJet completed work without cancellations, Lufthansa cited only isolated delays, and Air France resumed most flying after canceling 35 flights on Friday.
- Operational effects remain uneven globally: American Airlines said the vast majority of about 340 affected jets are updated with some delays, Avianca warned of significant disruption and paused ticket sales until December 8, Philippine carriers canceled 40-plus flights, and India’s airlines progressed through hundreds of updates with delays but few cancellations.