Delta to Overhaul Airbus Engines to Mitigate Toxic Fume Hazards

Delta Air Lines has announced plans to replace auxiliary power units (APUs) on many of its Airbus planes to combat incidents of toxic fumes that threaten the health of both passengers and crew.

The carrier informed CBS News about its ongoing replacement of engines for over 300 Airbus A320 models, a process that began in 2022 and is now nearly complete. No financial details regarding the cost of this initiative were disclosed.

The problematic engines have been leaking fumes into the cabin's air supply, posing a serious health risk. Reports of fume leaks, especially in the narrowbody Airbus A320 series, have been prevalent, emphasizing the critical need for engine replacements.

Flight attendants have long been voicing concerns about the perilous nature of these emissions. In a 2016 interview, flight attendant Vanessa Woods described a terrifying experience of inhaling these fumes, expressing fears for her life and the well-being of her family.

Dr. Robert Harrison, an expert in occupational medicine based at the University of California, has treated more than 100 flight crew members affected by such exposure. He notes potential nervous system complications resulting from inhaling these toxic emissions.

In addition to replacing engines, Delta is also evaluating cutting-edge synthetic turbine oils provided by a variety of manufacturers to enhance engine performance and safety.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby shared with CBS News that he has been personally invested in addressing this issue for over ten years. United has initiated a forward-thinking maintenance program designed to monitor oil usage and pressure, with proactive measures such as replacing APU seals to avert leaks that could result in cabin exposure.

Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle stated that while the airline, which also operates an Airbus fleet, keeps a close watch on this matter, occurrences of toxic fume leaks are quite infrequent.