Press release

All airlines using Airbus A380 need to inspect aircraft thoroughly

January 09, 2012

Philippa Oldham, Head of Transport at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers said in response to Qantas and Singapore Airlines recent detection of small cracks in Airbus A380 wings :

“The cracks detected by Qantas and Singapore Airlines on some of the wings of 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.”