Airbus identifies A321neo quality defect but says no safety risk
Airbus has discovered a quality issue in the fuselage structure of its A321neo aircraft, but the company maintains that the defect does not pose a safety risk. The problem affects approximately 500 aircraft, with roughly 250 already in service and 250 currently in production. The A321neo is the largest and most popular single-aisle jet produced by Airbus, seating up to 244 passengers and capable of flying routes up to 4,000 nautical miles.
The defect pertains to the surface protection, or coating, applied to skeletal components known as stringers that run lengthwise in the fuselage. The source of the issue was identified while parts were undergoing rework on the production line, and Airbus has found a remedy to address the problem. The latest development comes as Airbus aims to increase narrow-body jet production to 75 per month from the current average of 60.
The affected part is manufactured by Airbus' in-house aerostructures unit, Stelia. Customers are continuing to take deliveries of the aircraft without insisting on additional work, and Airbus has assured customers that there is no immediate requirement to repair the issue. While European regulators may issue a directive requiring the defects to be rectified within a specific timeframe, US carrier Delta Air Lines, which operates A321neo planes, stated that it will continue to take action to meet or exceed operator recommendations and regulator directives.
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