Airbus has announced that fewer than 100 of its A320 jets remain grounded for a software update, following an alert issued last week that affected 6,000 aircraft. The European plane manufacturer had instructed its clients to take immediate action to replace the software, citing a potential technical malfunction that could be triggered by intense solar radiation.

According to Airbus, the vast majority of affected aircraft have now received the necessary modifications, with less than 100 remaining to be updated. The company is working closely with its airline customers to support the modification process, ensuring that the remaining aircraft can be returned to service as soon as possible.

The alert was issued after an evaluation of a technical malfunction on board a JetBlue flight in October, which indicated that intense solar radiation could corrupt data critical to the flight controls. This raised concerns that hundreds of planes would need to be grounded for extended periods, potentially disrupting air travel.

However, several leading European airlines reported minimal or no cancellations as a result of the alert. In contrast, Colombian airline Avianca stated that 70 percent of its fleet had been impacted, warning of significant disruptions over the next 10 days and suspending ticket sales until December 8.

The swift response from Airbus and its clients has mitigated the potential impact of the software issue, with the majority of affected aircraft already back in service. The incident highlights the importance of proactive maintenance and swift action in ensuring the safety and reliability of air travel. As the aviation industry continues to rely on complex technology, manufacturers and airlines must remain vigilant in addressing potential issues and minimizing disruptions to passengers.