Airbus has issued a new update on the status of the global A320 fleet after publishing an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) on November 28, calling for immediate precautionary action on a number of in-service aircraft. The extraordinary measure was triggered after a vulnerability was discovered in part of the flight-control system, linked to exposure to solar radiation.
According to the latest statement from the manufacturer, out of approximately 6,000 aircraft potentially affected, the vast majority have already undergone the required software and system modifications. Fewer than one hundred aircraft are still awaiting updates, with Airbus working closely with operators to ensure that the remaining jets can be returned to service as quickly as possible.
Airbus reiterated the same message in a separate statement on December 1, confirming that global operations have largely stabilized and that the process is close to completion. In its communication, the manufacturer once again apologized for the challenges and delays caused to passengers and airlines. The company thanked regulators, airline customers, and its own employees for what it described as “a rapid and highly demanding implementation effort, fully driven by the principle of putting safety above all other considerations.”
After an initial period of disruption — including temporary groundings and delays during the last weekend of November — most major carriers have already completed the necessary work. American Airlines, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Delta, Air France, Jetstar, Qatar Airways, Air India, IndiGo, and others have confirmed that their A320 Family aircraft have returned to normal operations.
Croatia Airlines also issued a statement, emphasizing that its A320 Family fleet was not affected by the problematic modules and that no additional work or operational restrictions were required. The national carrier noted that all aircraft continued to operate normally and that all manufacturer and regulatory procedures were duly followed.
As the remaining aircraft undergo their final modifications, Airbus expects the entire process to be fully completed very soon, allowing all airlines to return to completely stable operations.
