- Airbus said it has recalled some of its A320 jets due to data corruption risks from solar flares.
- The recall could impact hundreds of planes in the US.
- American Airlines and Delta said they are updating aircraft software to prevent flight delays.
Airbus issued a major recall on Friday that will affect hundreds of planes in the US, including some operated by American Airlines and Delta.
The company said it discovered a potential data corruption issue on many of its A320 jets.
In the statement, Airbus said that “intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls,” and that “a significant number of A320 Family aircraft” need immediate updates as a result. The company said it “will lead to operational disruptions to passengers and customers.”
A spokesperson for Airbus told Business Insider via email that the issue is tied to a “specific software version carried by A320 Family aircraft, some of which are operating in the US.”
American Airlines said in a statement that roughly 340 of its planes could be affected. It added that “we believe the total possible affected aircraft will be lower,” and the update should take about two hours per aircraft.
Delta said the issue should only apply to a “small portion” of its A321neo aircraft, fewer than 50 planes. Delta told Business Insider the work would be done “by Saturday morning through already planned aircraft maintenance touchpoints.”
A spokesperson from United Airlines said the company has not been affected by the recall.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving is usually one of the busiest air travel days of the year.
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