Airbus urges airlines to replace speed probes

Investigators believe false data from speed monitors could have contributed to the loss of flight AF447, which crashed into the Atlantic on June 1 killing all 228 on board, and airlines have already begun replacing the devices.

But this week an Airbus jet equipped with new generation pitot probes made by European electronics firm Thales experienced a similar malfunction, causing pilots' unions to demand versions built by its US rival Goodrich.

The planes' manufacturer has now joined their call.

"We have sent a letter to all our operators to recommend that they replace Thales pitots with Goodrich pitots on their fleets of A330 and A340," an Airbus spokeswoman told AFP, describing this as a "precautionary measure".

The airlines should change at least two out of the three speed probes on each plane to a Goodrich model, she added.

This new advice will affect around 200 planes from a total fleet of around a thousand A330 and A240 longhaul jets in service with various airlines around the world, the rest already being equipped with American probes.