Airlines

EASA issued emergency Airworthiness Directive for Airbus A320

EASA issued emergency AD for Airbus A320 family: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency, or EASA, has released an Airworthiness Directive (AD) regarding the fuel pumps on a variety of A320 family aircraft. The issue, which involves the risk of a fuel tank explosion, affects aircraft ranging from the A318-111 to the A321neo. The EASA has issued an alert to all affected operators about “a potential quality issue found in the fuel pump ” The AD was released on April 23rd and applies to aircraft built before June 30th, 2015.

What is the issue?

This AD was prompted by the identification of a potential quality issue found in the fuel pump that includes a locking key of the impeller drive shaft found loose in the cavity under the impeller. Incorrect installation of the locking key combined with a pump operation not fully immersed in fuel could compromise the fuel pump integrity.

“This condition, if combined with a pump operating while not fully immersed in fuel, could create an ignition source in the fuel tank. Operating with a combination of these conditions could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.”

According to EASA, this problem affects aircraft manufactured before June 30th, 2015. Any aircraft built after this date may also be affected if “an affected part has been installed on that airplane since its date of manufacture.”

Which aircraft are affected?

Sadly, as mentioned by EASA, this theoretically includes a very broad range of A320 Family variants:
(1) Airbus A318-111, A318-112, A318-121, and A318-122 airplanes.
(2) Airbus A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132,
A319-133, A319-151N, A319-153N, and A319-171N airplanes.
(3) Airbus A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-216, A320-231, A320-232, A320-233,
A320-251N, A320-252N, A320-253N, A320-271N, A320-272N, and A320-273N airplanes.
(4) Airbus A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-211, A321-212, A321-213, A321-231,
A321-232, A321-251N, A321-251NX, A321-252N, A321-252NX, A321-253N, A321-253NX, A321-271N, A321-271NX, A321-272N, and A321-272NX airplanes.

Although the AD includes all manufacturer serial numbers for these aircraft models, the particular fuel pump that needs to be replaced is restricted. In this case, the Part Number (P/N) is P99C38-605, and the problem affects a list of just over 100 serial numbers. These figures are included in Appendix 1 of the EASA AD.

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The required measures:

For airplanes having only one affected part installed, replacement of that affected part as required. AD may be postponed in accordance with, and within the enforcement timeframe specified in, Airbus DOA-approved instructions to deactivate the affected component, which complement the AOT instructions.

Replace any affected part with a serviceable part within 10 days or 50 flight cycles of the AD’s effective date, whichever comes first, in compliance with the AOT’s instructions.

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Related Topics:A320 A321 airbus EASA FAA

Airlines

These 6 Airlines Are Giving You Free Wi-Fi on Your 2025 Flights

In a world where staying connected is more important than ever, airlines are stepping up their game by offering passengers free Wi-Fi during their flights.

Gone are the days of paying exorbitant fees to check your emails or scroll through social media at 30,000 feet. Staying connected during a flight is becoming easier than ever, and in 2025, wireless password wifi airport and several airlines are taking it a step further by offering free Wi-Fi for their passengers.

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Here’s a look at six airlines that are leading the way in offering free high-speed internet for everyone on board.

1.Air France
Starting in the summer of 2025, Air France is teaming up with Starlink to offer ultra-fast Wi-Fi on all its flights. The service promises a “ground-like” internet experience and will be available free of charge for passengers in all cabin classes. To access the Wi-Fi, passengers can log in using their Flying Blue loyalty program accounts.
2.Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines made history as the first U.S. airline to partner with Starlink back in 2022. By September 2024, the airline successfully installed the high-speed Wi-Fi on all of its Airbus aircraft. With this partnership, airport wifi passwords passengers can enjoy reliable internet throughout their flight.
3.JetBlue
JetBlue has been a pioneer in offering free Wi-Fi to its passengers. The Boston-based airline was the first major carrier to provide free Wi-Fi for all its customers, regardless of cabin class. The service is powered by ViaSat, ensuring that JetBlue passengers stay connected even in the sky.
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4.Delta Air Lines
Delta is rolling out fast, free Wi-Fi across its fleet, thanks to a partnership with T-Mobile. As of 2025, SkyMiles® Members on most domestic flights can enjoy free Wi-Fi. The airline is also working to extend this service to its international and regional routes, ensuring more passengers can stay connected.
5.Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand is one of the first international airlines to offer free Wi-Fi, thanks to its partnership with Starlink. The airline has already rolled out free Wi-Fi on many of its flights, allowing passengers to enjoy seamless internet access while traveling to and from New Zealand.
6.China Eastern Airlines
China Eastern Airlines offers free Wi-Fi on select flights to and from major U.S. cities, including San Francisco and Chicago. American passengers flying on these routes can stay connected with no extra cost during their journey.