Airbus has announced inspections of 16 A380 superjumbos after cracks were discovered in a key wing component on some aircraft operated by Emirates and Qantas, prompting regulatory action from European aviation authorities.

The air safety directive to Qantas and other airlines for some of their A380s comes amid reports that the Australian carrier is eyeing a replacement plane for the superjumbo.

The air safety directive to Qantas and other airlines for some of their A380s comes amid reports that the Australian carrier is eyeing a replacement plane for the superjumbo.