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

Air India Rolls Out A350s for Delhi-New York JFK and Newark Routes

In a major development for North American travelers, Air India has announced the deployment of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft on two key routes: Delhi to New York and Delhi to Newark.

The service on the Delhi-New York route will commence on November 1, 2024, while the Delhi-Newark route will see its inaugural flight on January 2, 2025.

The introduction of the air india a350 will bring significant enhancements to Air India’s offerings, particularly with the launch of its Premium Economy class. air india retrofit This new class will feature 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing passengers with extra legroom and a more comfortable flying experience.

Soon, Air India aircraft will feature onboard WiFi & all-new cabins: Click here

“We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback we have received from the domestic deployment of our air india a350 interior to offer our hero product on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes. This is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations that also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India.

The A350’s Business class will set new standards with 28 private suites, each equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and personal wardrobes. Economy class will be configured to accommodate 264 passengers in a 3-4-3 layout. Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, offering over 2,200 hours of content.

Air India’s First A350-900: Interior, Routes, &Inflight Features: Click here

This strategic deployment marks a notable enhancement in Air India’s U.S. operations, with 60% of its flights to the U.S. now featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors. The air india new international routes currently operates 51 weekly flights to five U.S. destinations: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The revamped cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved service standards represent air india wifi commitment to providing a superior travel experience. “We believe this enhanced offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier and attract travellers seeking a world-class flying experience between India and the United States,” the airline stated.

Seats on these flights are now available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents, ensuring that passengers can easily plan their journeys on these newly upgraded routes.