A380 fleet to be checked for wing cracks The cracks have been discovered in an L-shaped bracket which connects the wing's exterior to the internal "rib" structure. Airbus says they are a manufacturing issue. So far, inspections have been visual but EASA's revised directive will require A380 operators to check for cracks using non-destructive techniques involving special equipment that detects cracks using high-frequency electrical currents. The A380 is the world's largest passenger jet and cost €12bn (£10bn) to develop. Airlines who have already taken delivery of the plane include Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas and Lufthansa. However, EASA last month ordered inspections of A380s that had flown more than 1300 flights after Qantas and Singapore Airlines identified small cracks in the wings of planes.