OTTAWA- Transport Canada orders Airbus A220 operators to upgrade flight-control computer software, addressing multiple operational deficiencies.
The directive targets all three flight-control computers following recurring system malfunctions.
Airbus A220 Software Update
The current software exhibits design flaws causing false rudder, aileron, and spoiler failure alerts through remote electronic unit transmission errors. Technical analysis reveals inadequate built-in testing protocols and monitoring systems.
Safety concerns include potential autopilot engagement during takeoff and unannounced spoiler deployment. Previous regulatory actions required manual warnings about premature rotation risks during takeoff due to inadvertent autopilot activation.
Transport Canada warns these issues significantly increase crew workload and compromise safety margins. The July 2024 service bulletin outlines implementation procedures for the new production baseline software, establishing a two-year compliance deadline.
The software upgrade eliminates the need for existing autopilot warning documentation in flight manuals.
Largest A220 Operator
The Airbus A220 stands as a cornerstone of Airbus’s commercial portfolio, marking a successful acquisition story in modern aviation. Bombardier originally developed the aircraft family, consisting of the A220-100 and A220-300, under the CSeries program as the CS100 and CS300 respectively.
Quebec’s government played a pivotal role in financing the aircraft’s development before Airbus acquired a controlling 75% stake in the program. Quebec maintains a 25% ownership, preserving Canadian interests in the aircraft’s future.
Airlines currently operate 344 A220 aircraft worldwide as of July 2024. Major carriers including airBaltic (BT), Delta Air Lines (DL), Air France (AF), JetBlue (B6), and SWISS (LX) lead A220 operations with the highest number of weekly flights.
The aircraft’s market position continues to strengthen, with Airbus securing over 500 pending orders in its production backlog.
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