Cracks Found In Some A380 Jets, But Qantas Says No Risks

MELBOURNE, Jan 6 (Bernama) -– Qantas says cracks found in the wing ribs of some A380 jets do not pose a threat to passengers travelling on the superjumbos. Cracks just under a centimetre long have been found in a Qantas A380 that was being repaired in Singapore. "No immediate action is required by A380 operators because the cracking presents no risk whatsoever to flight safety," a Qantas spokeswoman said in a statement on Friday. Qantas is now checking the rest of its fleet and repairing any damage found. The maker of the A380s, European based Airbus, has advised the problems are not sufficient to ground the aircraft. Airlines worldwide have been informed about the issue, and ordered to check their aircraft regularly for cracks and other maintenance issues. "Formal guidance is being developed by Airbus that is likely to require A380 operators to inspect wing ribs for this type of cracking every four years," Qantas said in its statement. The airline said it will fully comply with the guidance once it is published. --BERNAMA Malaysia