Aer Lingus Replaces Speed Sensors Amid Air France Crash Investigations

Strategic Insights -

Aer Lingus has moved swiftly to replace speed sensors on two of its long-haul Airbus jets after concerns were raised about the safety of the pitot tubes following the Air France crash. The decision was taken as investigators suspect that the pitot tubes, or external sensors that give airspeed data, may have iced over and given false readings to the plane's computers. This move comes after Airbus recommended that operators replace their existing pitot tubes with ones that offer better performance. The replacement of the pitot probes on the two Aer Lingus aircraft has been completed earlier this month, with the airline prioritizing the safety of its passengers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Aer Lingus has replaced the speed sensors, or pitot probes, on two of its long-haul Airbus jets.
  • The decision was taken after concerns were raised about the safety of the pitot tubes following the Air France crash on June 1.
  • Airbus recommended that operators replace their existing pitot tubes with ones that offer better performance.
  • The replacement was completed earlier this month, with Aer Lingus prioritizing the safety of its passengers.
  • Aer Lingus operates a fleet of nine Airbus A330-200 and 300 planes, including four A330-300s on order and six Airbus A350-900s.
  • Investigators are still searching for the black boxes from the crashed Airbus, which may hold the key to understanding the cause of the crash.
  • The US National Transportation Safety Board is investigating two incidents in which airspeed and altitude indicators in Airbus A330 planes may have malfunctioned.

Statistics:

  • Two Aer Lingus aircraft have had their pitot probes replaced.
  • The replacement was completed earlier this month.
  • Nine Airbus A330-200 and 300 planes are part of Aer Lingus' fleet.
  • Four A330-300s are on order for Aer Lingus.
  • Six Airbus A350-900s are part of the airline's future fleet plans.
  • 228 people were on board the Air France Airbus A330-200 when it crashed on June 1.

Sources:

  • Aer Lingus spokesperson.
  • Herald article (date not specified).
  • Air France pilots' demands for pitot tube replacement.
  • US National Transportation Safety Board investigation.
  • Air France crash investigation.