Airbus Addresses Quality Issue with A320 Metal Panels

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus announced on October 30, 2023, that it has identified a “quality issue” concerning metal panels used in its widely utilized A320 passenger jet. Although the company assured that the issue is “contained,” it has initiated inspections to evaluate the impact on its fleet.

A spokesperson for Airbus stated, “Airbus confirms it has identified a supplier quality issue affecting a limited number of A320 metal panels.” This statement came in response to earlier media reports highlighting concerns regarding the fuselage panels, which have reportedly delayed the delivery of some of the aircraft. While the spokesperson noted that inspections are underway, she emphasized that only a portion of the inspected aircraft would require further action.

The announcement had an immediate impact on the market, with Airbus shares dropping by over 10 percent during trading in Paris. By approximately 12:00 GMT, shares were down 10.24 percent, although they later recovered some losses. This decline followed reports that quality problems could significantly hinder the delivery schedule of Airbus’s top-selling aircraft.

Previous Software Update Incident

The recent quality concerns come on the heels of another incident involving the A320 fleet. Last week, Airbus stated that approximately 6,000 A320 aircraft needed to remain grounded until a necessary software upgrade was implemented. This decision followed an incident in which a JetBlue operated A320 experienced an in-flight control issue attributed to a computer malfunction caused by solar radiation.

On October 30, 2023, the affected JetBlue aircraft had to make an emergency landing in Tampa, Florida, after experiencing a sudden nosedive between Cancun, Mexico, and Newark, United States. Following this incident, Airbus clarified that fewer than 100 planes remain immobilized, alleviating initial concerns that hundreds would be out of service for extended periods.

Analysts at Deutsche Bank noted that Airbus had not updated its delivery guidance for the year, suggesting that the effects of the recent software update were still under evaluation or had been effectively contained.

A320’s Popularity and Production

Produced since 1988, the Airbus A320 is recognized as the world’s best-selling aircraft, with 12,257 units sold by the end of September 2023, narrowly surpassing the 12,254 Boeing 737s sold during the same timeframe. The A320’s popularity has made it a cornerstone of Airbus’s production portfolio, highlighting the significance of addressing any quality issues promptly.

As Airbus navigates these challenges, the company remains committed to maintaining the highest safety and quality standards across its fleet. With its diverse workforce of 2,400 employees representing 100 different nationalities, Airbus continues to be a leading player in the global aviation industry, dedicated to delivering reliable aircraft to airlines worldwide.