Photo credit: © Airbus
Airbus has confirmed a manufacturing quality issue affecting the corrosion protection of structural components inside the forward fuselage of a large batch of A321neo aircraft.
The issue involves surface protection applied to stringers in the lower forward section of the fuselage. Airbus says the source of the deviation has been identified and contained, a corrective solution is available and affected aircraft can continue operating because the issue does not pose an immediate safety risk.
Industry sources indicate that around 500 aircraft may be affected, with roughly 250 already in service and another 250 at various stages of production. The longer-range A321XLR is not affected, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Reuters reports that the problem originated with an incorrectly applied anti-corrosion coating handled by an Italian subcontractor within the supply chain of Leonardo, one of the A321neo’s aerostructures suppliers. Leonardo declined to comment.
The discovery comes as Airbus continues to increase A320 Family production. Despite the additional rework required, the manufacturer has not changed its 2026 delivery target of around 870 aircraft. Airbus delivered 475 aircraft between January and August.
Source: Airbus statement and open-source industry reporting.
Editorial note: AI-assisted editing.
Photo credit: Airbus
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