Wing cracks found on some Airbus A380s, checks ordered

PARIS: European regulators have ordered inspections on some older Airbus A380 airplanes after some cracks were detected in wings on the world's largest passenger aircraft.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) directive, which formalises an instruction from the manufacturer itself, covers part of the outer wing on the 25 oldest aircraft, which first went into service in 2007 with Singapore Airlines. Airbus said the safety of the aircraft was not affected.
"We confirm that small cracks have been found on the outer rear wing spars of early production A380 aircraft. We have identified the issue and designed an inspection and repair scheme." an Airbus spokesman said. The repairs, which must be carried out within 15 years of the initial wing box assembly, can be carried out during heavy maintenance visits.
EASA said the condition, if not corrected, could reduce the structural integrity of the wing. In 2012, Airbus was forced to carry out A380 inspections and devise a repair programme after cracks were found on part of the wings. reuters