WASHINGTON — Federal safety officials are ordering the replacement of Airbus airspeed sensors of the kind suspected of playing a role in loss of Air France Flight 447 and all 228 aboard in June.

The Federal Aviation Administration said in a notice published today U.S. airlines operating Airbus A330s and A340s must replace at least two of three sensors on the plane made by European electronics giant Thales. Approved replacements are made by North Carolina-based Goodrich.

The order affects 43 planes operated by Northwest Airlines and US Airways. FAA said the sensors can become blocked by ice crystals at high altitudes.

The European aviation safety agency finalized a similar order Monday.

By The Associated Press