Airbus investigates A321neo flaw as deliveries slip into congested fourth quarter
Airbus is investigating a coating flaw affecting 500 A321neo jets, including 250 still in production, as deliveries slow. Airbus says its 2026 goal of about 870 deliveries remains intact; airlines taking affected planes will have two years to repair the part.
1. Coating flaw under investigation
Airbus and Leonardo are investigating a coating problem on 500 A321neo jets after gaps were found in protective primer beneath paint on fuselage strengthening rods. The cause has not been identified. Regulators say the quality alert does not affect safety.
2. Deliveries face pressure
The issue has contributed to slower-than-expected September deliveries, with one industry source saying as many as 20 jets had slipped into the congested fourth quarter. Airbus declined to comment on partial monthly data but said its 2026 goal of about 870 deliveries remained intact. One analyst said Airbus had delivered almost 50 jets during the month and would need to exceed its previous quarterly record by 13% to reach 297 deliveries in the closing months of 2018.
3. Repair timeline shortened
Airlines taking delivery of affected planes will have two years, rather than the usual four-year maintenance cycle, to repair the part. The work is expected to take up to nine days, including two to three days for the core repair. Leonardo has one coatings supplier for the relevant work, private company TESI, but has not confirmed whether TESI was involved.
