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What happened
All domestic airlines in India have completed critical software updates on 323 Airbus A320 aircraft, addressing a safety alert issued by Airbus. The alert was triggered by concerns that strong solar radiation could potentially corrupt data in the flight control systems of these aircraft. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the upgrades were necessary for ensuring the safety of air travel. Initially, 338 aircraft were flagged for the update, with 323 in active service. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India have successfully implemented the updates across their fleets. The urgency of the situation was highlighted by a recent incident involving a JetBlue A320, which unexpectedly dipped during flight, prompting Airbus to coordinate with global regulators for immediate software updates.
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Key insights
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Safety Alert Issued: Airbus warned of potential flight control glitches due to solar radiation.
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DGCA Mandates Compliance: The DGCA required all Indian airlines to complete the software updates.
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Incident Prompted Action: A JetBlue A320 incident led to the urgent software updates.
Takeaways
The completion of software upgrades on Airbus A320 aircraft by Indian airlines is a crucial step in ensuring passenger safety and addressing potential flight control issues. This proactive measure reflects the industry's commitment to maintaining high safety standards.