Airbus says it contained a coating defect on A321neo fuselage components; affected jets can keep flying because it poses no safety risk. A source familiar with the issue says about 500 aircraft are affected, with roughly 250 in service and 250 in production.
Airbus said the deviation involved surface protection applied to stringers, structural components that run lengthwise along a fuselage. The issue was found while parts were already being reworked on the production line; Airbus said it had identified and contained the source and that a remedy was available.
A source said customers are continuing to take deliveries without requiring extra work beforehand, and Airbus has told them no immediate repair is required. European regulators may still issue a directive requiring repairs within a specified period. Delta said it was in contact with its manufacturer partners and would act to meet or exceed operator recommendations and regulator directives.
