Airbus reportedly probes A321neo flaw as repair plan eases disruption
Airbus is reportedly investigating a coating flaw affecting about 500 A321neo jets, including 250 in production; safety is unaffected, and Airbus reaffirmed its 2026 delivery target. Airlines taking delivery will have two years to repair the affected part, with work expected to take up to nine days.
1. Coating flaw investigation
Airbus and Leonardo are investigating a quality problem at coatings supplier TESI, a Leonardo subcontractor, after gaps were found in protective primer beneath paint on fuselage parts. The flaw affects strengthening rods in a section of the A321neo’s forward fuselage, and its cause has not been identified.
2. Repairs and delivery target
About 500 aircraft are involved, including 250 at various stages of production. Airlines continuing to take delivery will have two years to repair the affected part instead of the usual four-year maintenance cycle; repairs are expected to take up to nine days, including two to three days for the core repair.
3. Safety and supply chain
Airbus said safety is unaffected and reaffirmed its 2026 delivery target. The primer is designed to prevent corrosion in the lowest point of the fuselage, where moisture can build up.
