I'm currently trying to avoid flying on the A380 but an upcoming flight might require it. I am concerned that economic concerns on the part of Airbus are trumping real safety issues which have come up with this plane - engineers seem to agree there is cause for concern.
What are your thoughts?
Many thanks
Emilie
Hi Emilie,
According to Airbus, the tiny cracks found in the wings of the Airbus A380 can be easily repaired and pose no danger to those traveling on the plane.
Tom Williams, a vice-president with Airbus, blames the cracks on design and manufacturing issues. He said that it is not a fatigue cracking problem and that the cracks did not compromise the airworthiness of the aircraft.
I have just read that Airbus had dismissed calls by an Australian Engineering Union to ground the plane. Nevertheless, the grounding of the planes had not been demanded by the safety regulators from Europe, USA, Australia (EASA, FAA, CASA, etc.) yet.
Anyway, they would be the first to ban A380 flights if they believed that safety of the planes was at risk.
In the meantime, Airbus and Safety authorities repeat that the A380 is safe to fly as engineers continue to check their wings for more cracks. They are expected to give an update on any new findings.
Hence, I would leave it to the safety experts to come to any conclusion.
PS. To check for any latest updates or postings, you can follow my new Twitter at @CaptKHLim
Singapore Airlines, Qantas A380 develop cracks on wings
