CAAS pledges to reduce A380 oversight

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) signed an agreement to reduce oversight when it comes to safety of the Airbus 380 (A380), the same day the famed carrier was grounded due to technical difficulties.

CAAS and EASA will exchange information and analyses on airworthiness and flight operations matters relating to the A380 under this agreement. Both sides will also address issues on the A380 operations to enhance the safety oversight of the A380 fleet in service.

Lim Kim Choon, director-general and chief executive officer of CAAS and EASA's executive director, Patrick Goudou were present at the February 18 signing, with officials from CAAS, Airbus and Singapore Airlines.

Lim said, "Singapore, being the first to put the A380 into commercial service, could share its operational experience with EASA, and at the same time, benefit from the wealth of expertise in EASA on A380 design and maintenance capabilities."

Shortly after this agreement was announced, the A380 was subject to a technical problem caused by a faulty fuel pump. The flight had to be cancelled on February 18. In a statement, SIA told Procurement magazine that "this is the sort of problem that doesn't show till engine start-up". Passengers had to be transferred to alternate flights a Boeing 747-400, which was not able to carry as many passengers as the A380. The remaining 70 passengers had their flights rescheduled to the following day.

"The delay was most unfortunate, because to date, the aircraft has been operating with very high reliability: the highest of any aircraft type to enter service. It is, of course, to be expected that technical issues will occur from time to time," the spokesperson said.

The company said the A380 has since been fixed and returned to service on February 19.

-By Muneerah B.