ISTANBUL

Airbus on Friday directed an immediate precautionary software update for its A320 family after identifying that intense solar radiation could corrupt data critical to flight-control functions.

In a statement on Friday, Airbus said it has consequently identified a significant number of A320 Family aircraft currently in-service which may be impacted.

It added that Airbus has worked proactively with the aviation authorities to request immediate precautionary action from operators via an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT).

"This AOT will be reflected in an Emergency Airworthiness Directive from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)," it said.

The statement added: "Airbus acknowledges these recommendations will lead to operational disruptions to passengers and customers.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused and will work closely with operators, while keeping safety as our number one and overriding priority."

After the announcement, Türkiye's flag carrier Turkish Airlines began to implement the necessary procedures for its eight aircraft.

"Eight A320 aircraft in our fleet have been assessed under this framework and will be safely returned to service after completing procedures in accordance with the relevant instructions," Yahya Ustun, senior vice president communications at the flag carrier, said on US social media platform X.

"During this process, we are following the instructions of all relevant stabilization agencies, especially EASA, and are cooperating with Airbus to ensure the necessary software updates," he added.