A quality issue that could affect corrosion protection on the fuselage structure of Airbus A321neo aircraft has been identified. According to The Air Current, the issue affects both aircraft currently in production and A321neos already in service, with more than 500 aircraft potentially affected.
The issue stems from a deviation in the surface protection applied to stringers, structural components that run longitudinally along the lower forward section of the fuselage. Airbus said the source of the problem has been identified and contained, and that a corrective solution is available.
Around 250 aircraft already in service and another 250 in production are reportedly affected. Airbus said aircraft currently in operation can continue flying and that the issue does not pose a flight safety risk. Corrective work on affected aircraft is expected to be carried out as part of scheduled maintenance.
