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.

12 things to know about the Airbus A320 family

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.

Airbus inaugurates Hamburg’s fourth A320 Family production line

Related Topics:A320 A321 airbus EASA FAA

Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

Etihad Airways Unveils 10 Exciting New Routes for 2025

Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

This country tops visa rejections in the popular Schengen countries

British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.