Majority of grounded Airbus A320s return to skies after software updates

The FAA released an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) and the EASA released an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) on Nov. 28 that grounded around 6,000 Airbus A320 family aircraft. The grounding was due to a susceptibility introduced by a software update in the flight-control computer, according to the EASA. The A320's Elevator Aileron Computer with specific software would have been vulnerable to data corruption when exposed to solar flares. Depending on the aircraft's configuration, operators needed to update the computer to the new software or physically replace the unit. On Monday, Airbus reported that fewer than 100 of the grounded aircraft still needed the required modification. Airlines with smaller A320 fleets, like Lufthansa Group, only experienced minor delays, but others will have longer disruptions, according to Aerotime. RELATED STORIES: Airbus pushes back A220 assembly timeline due to supply chain shortage Airbus A320 family surpasses Boeing 737 as world's best selling airliner Bell 429 vs. Airbus H160: Competing in the next-gen light twin category The A320 family is also having problems with its fuselage panels, which are delaying deliveries. There are no immediate indications that it has reached aircraft in service, Reuters reported. CNBC reported a stock fall of 10% on Monday after the announcement.