Turkish Airlines implements software update on A320 aircraft

ISTANBUL

Turkish Airlines has begun implementing the required procedures for its eight A320-family aircraft after Airbus issued its latest software update.

"Airbus has issued an Operator Alert Notice (AOT) for all A320 aircraft worldwide," Yahya Ustun, senior vice president communications at the flag carrier, said on US social media platform X, adding: "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."

He also said that all the carrier's operations continue to operate in a safe manner.

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

"Passenger safety is always our company's top priority," Ustun said.

AJet withdrawn seven aircraft from service

AJet, a low-cost Turkish air carrier, also announced that this type of aircraft was withdrawn from service after the Airbus' notification.

Mehmet Yesilkaya, press adviser at AJet, said that seven AJet aircraft will resume operations after the necessary procedures are complete.

"During this process, we are closely following the instructions of EASA and the relevant aviation authorities, and we are continuing to work in coordination with Airbus to implement the necessary software updates," he said.

He also said this situation does not affect the carrier's operational process. "Our flights continue safely."

Pegasus' notice

Another Turkish air carrier, Pegasus, said it began to make necessary implementations related to the Airbus' notification.

"We are rapidly executing the process in coordination with EASA and Airbus to ensure the safest possible operation.

"We are working to minimize the impact on our operations and our guests during this process," it said.

Pegasus warner passengers to follow the notifications for flight cancellations and delays.

Airbus' notification

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

The European aircraft producer 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)," Airbus 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."

EASA has also issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) for the Airbus A320 family to address a susceptibility introduced by a software update in one of its onboard computers.

"The EAD addresses an issue which manifested itself in an event on JetBlue flight 1230 on October 30, 2025," EASA stated.

It added: "These measures may cause short-term disruption to flight schedules and therefore inconvenience to passengers. However as is always the case in aviation, safety is paramount."