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Airlines Race To Update A320 Fleets After EASA Orders ELAC Fixes as IndiGo Says Its Work Is Done

Most aircraft require a short software update, leaving only older jets needing hardware replacement.

Overview

  • EASA issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive requiring a serviceable ELAC be installed before the next flight after Airbus linked intense solar radiation to corrupted flight‑control data on A320‑family jets.
  • Airbus estimated about 6,000 aircraft need immediate action, and reports indicate roughly 900 older airframes may require hardware replacement that could extend downtime.
  • India’s DGCA mandated rapid compliance and airlines reported swift progress, with around 80% of the country’s A320 fleet updated by Saturday.
  • IndiGo said essential Airbus system upgrades across its entire A320‑family fleet are complete, while Air India and Air India Express reported most checks finished with only short delays.
  • The remediation drive followed an Oct 30 in‑service pitch‑down incident reported on a JetBlue A320, and Airbus acknowledged expected schedule disruptions as its CEO apologized to customers and passengers.