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Airbus has identified and contained a quality issue affecting the fuselage structure of hundreds of A321neo aircraft, but the European planemaker said the defect does not pose a safety risk and planes can continue operating normally.
The issue affects about 500 A321neo jets, including approximately 250 aircraft already in service and another 250 currently in production, according to a source familiar with the matter. Airbus’ longer-range A321XLR is not affected.
The A321neo is Airbus’ largest and most popular single-aisle aircraft, capable of carrying up to 244 passengers and flying about 4,000 nautical miles, or 7,400 kilometers.
Airbus said the problem involves a deviation in the surface protection, or coating, applied to structural components known as stringers, which run lengthwise along the fuselage. The company discovered the issue while components were undergoing rework on its production line.
Airbus said it has identified and contained the source of the problem and that a remedy is available. Customers are continuing to accept A321neo deliveries, while Airbus has indicated that affected aircraft do not require immediate repairs, the source said.
European aviation regulators could eventually issue a directive requiring operators to address the defect within a specified period. Delta Air Lines, which operates A321neo aircraft, said it remains in regular contact with manufacturers and would comply with recommendations and regulatory requirements.
The latest Airbus A321neo fuselage issue follows another quality problem reported in December involving fuselage panels. Although that defect also had no safety implications, resolving it contributed to several months of aircraft delivery delays.
The latest production challenge comes as Airbus works to increase narrow-body aircraft output from roughly 60 jets per month to 75. The affected components are manufactured by Airbus-owned aerostructures business Stelia.
Industry publication The Air Current first reported the A321neo quality issue on Thursday.
