Aviation Tech Alert: A320 Software Upgrades in Motion

Major Indian airlines are upgrading software on A320 planes to fix potential flight control issues. About 80% of affected aircraft have been upgraded, leading to some flight delays and cancellations. The industry-wide problem arose due to intense solar radiation potentially corrupting critical flight data.

In a significant move, major Indian airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, commenced software upgrades for A320 family aircraft to tackle potential flight control vulnerabilities. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that modifications have been completed on 80% of the affected 338 planes, though the process has resulted in delays and a few cancellations.

Airbus had warned that intense solar radiation might compromise critical flight control data on the A320 family, necessitating immediate software upgrades. This prompted a global alert from the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) and subsequent action by Indian airlines to carry out necessary updates to ensure passenger safety.

So far, IndiGo and Air India have avoided any cancellations, but Air India Express reported the cancellation of four flights. The upgrades are being conducted across major Indian airports and are expected to complete by November 30. This industry-wide alert is part of a global action affecting nearly 6,000 aircraft worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)