Airbus finds more fuselage panel flaws on A320 jets; 628 aircraft to be inspected

Airbus engineers have found thickness problems in more metal panels on the A320 family of aircraft, widening the scope of a quality issue that is already slowing deliveries.

A presentation shared with airlines shows that 628 A320 jets will need to be inspected. This includes:

• 168 aircraft already flying
• 245 aircraft currently on the final assembly line, with about 100 of them due for delivery in 2025
• 215 jets still in earlier stages of production

Airbus has also discovered similar panel-thickness issues in the rear fuselage and some other sections. However, these parts are not on aircraft currently in service.

The problem is linked to panels produced by Sofitec Aero, a supplier in Seville, Spain. The metal sheets appear to have been incorrectly stretched and milled, resulting in the wrong thickness.

Airbus confirmed that both in-production and in-service aircraft are affected, but said this is not a safety-of-flight issue. Detailed inspection instructions will be sent to airlines soon.

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said the company is still “assessing the situation” and admitted that the issue has already slowed deliveries during a “weak” November. Analysts are now questioning whether the company can meet its full-year delivery targets.

While inspections may only take a few hours per aircraft, repairs could take three to five weeks, according to industry reports, a delay that may disrupt the usual production sequence and require more labour.

Airbus is expected to give more clarity on the impact when it releases its November delivery numbers later this week.