Urgent safety checks ordered on A380 jets

EUROPE’S safety authorities have ordered urgent inspections on one-third of the Airbus A380 fleet after the discovery of wing cracks on the world’s largest jetliner.

No aircraft have been grounded but the inspections must be carried out within six weeks for most of the 22 aircraft placed on a check-up list, which is expected to affect Singapore Airlines, Dubai’s Emirates and Air France.

A handful of the most heavily used aircraft — subjected to at least 1,800 take-offs and landings that impose the most wear and tear on an airframe — must be examined within four days in a process likely to take each jet out of service for 24 hours.