Airbus detects quality issue in A321neo fuselage coating; around a dozen IndiGo aircraft impacted
The issue is therefore being treated by Airbus as a quality and maintenance matter rather than an operational safety concern, with the manufacturer saying the affected aircraft can continue flying.
Airbus has uncovered a quality concern with the surface protection coating on the fuselage of several of its narrow-body A321neo aircraft, affecting approximately a dozen planes operated by IndiGo, according to sources cited by PTI. Airbus has pinpointed the origin of the problem and has contained it, with a remedy now available, the company announced on Friday.
The issue surfaced during routine rework concerning a deviation in the surface protection coating on stringers situated in the lower front area of the fuselage. An Airbus spokesperson stated that the source of the problem has been identified and contained, and that all newly coated stringers currently meet all requirements. Airbus emphasized that the affected aircraft can still operate, describing the situation as a quality issue rather than a safety concern.
IndiGo and Air India are the two Indian carriers operating the A321neo, with the two airlines collectively owning around 190 of these aircraft. PTI sources indicated that Air India's A321neo fleet remains unaffected. Some sections of the impacted fuselage will need to be repainted, with the necessary work expected to be completed within two years, according to PTI sources.
Airbus noted that the rework does not involve dismantling the stringers. Once the rework is completed, Airbus stated, the aircraft will be in the same condition as when it was initially designed.
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