Airbus has announced that an unspecified number of its A320 aircraft will undergo inspections following the identification of a “supplier quality issue” concerning metal panels used on some planes within the model range. The company described the problem as affecting a “limited number” of aircraft. This announcement comes just days after a significant grounding of thousands of the same aircraft for an urgent software update.
On Tuesday, the European aviation giant stated it is adopting a “conservative approach” by inspecting all aircraft that might be impacted. While not every plane is expected to require repairs, the proactive stance reflects a commitment to safety and quality assurance. Reports from news agencies such as Reuters and AFP suggest that approximately 600 A320s could be affected, although Airbus did not confirm this figure in their communication.
An Airbus spokesperson informed the BBC that the root cause of the issue has been identified and contained, asserting that all newly produced panels meet the required standards. The company clarified that “only inspections will determine where an aircraft may have panels with quality issues and the appropriate action to be taken.”
Among the 168 planes potentially requiring inspection are those already in service. Notably, the panel issue does not pose an immediate safety threat, contrasting with a recent emergency recall initiated due to a software glitch that affected thousands of A320s. This software issue was described as critical, as it was linked to a near-miss event during a flight that resulted in the aircraft losing altitude and causing injuries to passengers.
Korean Air has confirmed it is awaiting further details from Airbus to ascertain if its fleet is impacted. Delta Airlines stated that it has already completed the necessary inspections and that their operations remain unaffected, with less than 50 A321neo aircraft being involved.
Earlier this week, Airbus faced a substantial disruption as more than 6,000 aircraft were grounded for emergency software updates after the vulnerability was revealed. This situation unfolded during a peak travel period, coinciding with Thanksgiving in the U.S., leading to widespread cancellations and disruptions in air travel.
As a result of these developments and ongoing concerns, Airbus shares have seen a decline of over 6.5% in value over the past five days, reflecting investor apprehension regarding the company’s operational challenges and the potential impact on the airline industry.
