Aviation
Airbus confirms adjusted production rates for A380 and A400M programmes
Toulouse, 7 March 2018 – Following the previously announced changes to the A380 and A400M delivery plans, Airbus (stock exchange symbol: AIR) confirms the formal adjustment of production rates for its A380 and A400M programmes. The new plan, which was presented to the European Works Council today, involves the production of six A380s per year starting from 2020 and eight A400Ms per year, also as of 2020. Airbus is now entering into a formal social process with staff representatives at European and national levels to analyse potential implications for the Company’s workforce and to start joint mitigation efforts.
At this stage, Airbus estimates the maximum impact of these measures will affect up to 3,700 positions at sites across the Company’s home countries of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain. Airbus is committed to managing any implications for its workforce in a responsible manner – as already successfully demonstrated on various occasions in the past. The Company is confident that it will be able to propose opportunities to most of the affected employees through programmes which are ramping up. Each year, Airbus manages 12 percent mobility and can adapt the flexibility level across divisions, functions and subsidiaries to support redeployment of staff to other programmes’ activities.
The adjustment of the A380 production rate follows a recent order which provides visibility to the programme for the years to come. As previously announced, at a baseline of 6 deliveries per year, Airbus can produce the A380 in an industrial efficient way over the coming years. This baseline allows Airbus to pursue further sales campaigns which may lead to higher production levels.
On the A400M programme, production will be adjusted to eight units per year as of 2020, following production of fifteen A400M in 2018 and eleven units in 2019. This adjustment is based on discussions with the A400M Launch Customer Nations. Airbus pursues export opportunities beyond this level.
Aviation
Lost Tool Found in Qantas A380 After 34 Flights
An Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation recently revealed that a Qantas A380 operated 34 flights with a 1.25-meter nylon tool lodged in one of its engines.
This turning tool, used during borescope inspections to rotate the intermediate-pressure compressor, was left behind during scheduled maintenance at Los Angeles on December 6, 2023. It remained inside the engine until it was discovered by maintenance staff during a subsequent check at Los Angeles on January 1, 2024.
China Takes the Lead in Sixth-Generation Fighters with White Emperor B
The ATSB report highlights two critical lapses. First, maintenance engineers failed to notice the tool during final checks for foreign objects after the borescope inspection. Second, the lost tool procedure was not activated when the tool was identified as missing.
The certifying engineer ultimately cleared the aircraft for service without accounting for the misplaced tool. During the time qantas films the tool was inside, the A380 completed 34 flight cycles, accumulating nearly 294 hours without any noticeable effect on engine performance.
Although the tool was deformed by high-energy airflow within the engine, there was no reported damage to the engine itself. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell commented.
India’s C-295 to Gain Advanced Weapons for Maritime Surveillance
“This incident underscores the importance of following established maintenance protocols. Engineers missed the tool during foreign object checks, and the required lost tool procedure wasn’t started after realizing the tool was missing.”
Following the investigation, the airline issued a safety directive, urging all engineering and tool storage teams to adhere strictly to these protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A qantas spokesperson stated, “While the tool didn’t impact engine performance, we take this incident very seriously. It is critical to follow the correct lost tool procedures.”
-
Aviation2 months ago
Boeing confirms 797: A New Era for Mid-Size Aircraft
-
Aviation2 months ago
Microsoft Flight Simulator Raises $3 Million to Bring Back the An-225 Mriya
-
Aviation2 months ago
Lockheed and Tata Team Up to Build C-130J MRO Facility in India
-
Airlines2 months ago
Qantas Engineers Stage Walkout Over Cost of Living Concerns
-
Airlines2 months ago
Qatar Citizens Can Travel to the United States Without a Visa
-
Aviation2 months ago
Boeing Offers 25% Pay Increase & Promise to Build Next Plane in Seattle
-
Aviation2 months ago
Qatar Airways bans these new Electronic Devices on plane
-
Airlines2 months ago
Emirates Ends 28-Year Singapore-Melbourne Fifth Freedom Route