Airbus identifies quality issue in A321neo fuselage

Airbus has identified a quality issue affecting the fuselage structure of approximately 500 A321neo aircraft. The defect involves a deviation in the surface protection or anti-corrosion coating applied to stringers, which are structural components running lengthwise along the fuselage. The issue is estimated to affect roughly 250 aircraft already in service and 250 still in production.

Airbus stated that the problem does not pose a safety risk and that affected aircraft can continue to operate normally. The company has identified the source of the issue, which is linked to a second-tier supplier, and has developed a remedy that does not require the disassembly of the stringers. While there is no immediate requirement for repairs to aircraft in service, European regulators may issue directives for mandatory repairs within a specific timeframe.

This is the second major fuselage-related production issue for the A321neo in nine months, following reports of fuselage panel defects in December. The setback comes as Airbus attempts to ramp up narrowbody production from 60 to 75 aircraft per month. The news has impacted Airbus shares, which saw declines following the announcement.