Airbus downplays A380 cracks
AIRBUS will cover Qantas and other airlines for the cost of repairs to their A380s which have suffered wing cracks, but it says compensation will not extend to other bills such as for the time the aircraft are taken out of service for the work.
Although the repair bill for the wing cracks in the worldwide superjumbo fleet is expected to top €105 million ($134 million), the European aircraft manufacturer insists the setback has not dented interest in its flagship aircraft from airlines and the flying public.
Qantas has found the more serious ''type-two'' cracks in the wings of the two A380s it has inspected since European air-safety authorities issued an airworthiness directive in February. It is due to inspect a further three of its superjumbos this year for the problem, as part of the requirements under the airworthiness directive.
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The airline, which has 12 superjumbos in service, has been in talks over the past few months with Airbus about compensation for the repairs and inspections.
Airbus's chief operating officer, John Leahy, said the manufacturer would cover the cost of repairs as part of a warranty program but it would not extend to other bills incurred.
Read more at Brisbanetimes.com.au
