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

DOT Proposes New Passenger Compensation Rules for Flight Disruptions

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has unveiled a major initiative to enhance protections for air travelers affected by flight cancellations or significant delays caused by airlines.

Top 10 Best Airlines in the World by AirHelp Survey

This Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeks public feedback on new measures that could require airlines to compensate passengers and provide necessary services automatically.

Key Proposals by the DOT:

Cash Compensation for Airline-Caused Disruptions
- Airlines may be required to pay passengers at least $200 in cash for flight disruptions caused by circumstances under their control, such as mechanical issues or IT failures.
- A tiered compensation system is being considered:
  - $200–$300 for domestic delays of 3–6 hours.
  - $375–$525 for delays lasting 6–9 hours.
  - $750–$775 for delays exceeding 9 hours.
- The DOT is exploring whether smaller airlines should have different compensation thresholds and whether compensation is needed if passengers are notified weeks in advance of a disruption.
Free Rebooking on the Next Available Flight
- Airlines may be obligated to rebook passengers at no extra cost if a flight is canceled or delayed by at least 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally.
- Rebooking options may include:
  - Flights operated by the airline or its codeshare partners.
  - Flights on other carriers with which the airline has a commercial agreement if no suitable options are available within 24 hours.
Provision of Meals, Lodging, and Transportation
- Airlines may need to cover meals, overnight accommodations, and transportation for stranded passengers.
- Minimum reimbursements could be established when services aren’t provided upfront, ensuring passengers can recoup costs even without submitting receipts, up to a defined limit.

The DOT’s proposals draw inspiration from consumer protection frameworks in countries like Canada, Brazil, the UK, and the European Union. Research suggests that EU compensation requirements have successfully reduced the frequency and length of delays, demonstrating the effectiveness of such measures.

India Offers $200 Million LOC to Nigeria for Tejas Jets

Passengers currently face numerous hurdles when seeking compensation or services, including vague policies, lack of upfront communication, and reliance on in-person requests at airports. The new rulemaking aims to close these gaps by establishing clear, enforceable standards for airlines.

Public input on the proposed measures will shape the final rules. The DOT hopes these changes will create a more accountable and passenger-friendly system, ensuring travelers are better supported during disruptions.

With these proposed rules, the DOT seeks to make airline travel more reliable and fair, setting a new standard for passenger rights in the United States.