**Airbus Addresses Quality Issue Affecting A320 Aircraft**
Airbus has confirmed the identification of a quality issue impacting a limited number of metal panels in its A320 aircraft family. The company reassured stakeholders that the problem has been contained. A spokesperson stated, “The source of the issue has been identified, contained, and all newly produced panels conform to all requirements.” This announcement follows a report from Reuters that highlighted the quality concerns, which led to a nearly 10% drop in Airbus shares.
The timing of this revelation is critical, as it comes just days after a software glitch prompted the recall of over 6,000 A320 aircraft. The A320 series is the most widely used passenger jet globally, with approximately 11,300 units in active service.
Earlier reports indicated that the quality issues were related to fuselage panels on “several dozen” A320 aircraft, causing delays in scheduled deliveries. However, it was clarified that these issues did not affect aircraft already in service. As Airbus strives to meet its delivery targets for the year, the company has completed 657 deliveries so far, with a goal of around 820 by year-end. With only 72 aircraft delivered in November, Airbus faces a significant challenge, needing to deliver over 160 aircraft in December to meet its target.
The recent quality issue adds to the challenges Airbus is facing, particularly following the software glitch that raised safety concerns regarding the nose angle of the A320 jets. This glitch was discovered after an incident involving a JetBlue A320 in the United States, leading regulators to mandate immediate updates for affected aircraft. Fortunately, the software issue appears to be largely resolved, with fewer than 100 A320 jets still grounded for updates.
In summary, while Airbus is actively addressing the quality issue and working to resolve the software glitch, the company must navigate these challenges to maintain its delivery schedule and uphold its reputation in the aviation industry.
**FAQ**
**What is the current status of the Airbus A320 quality issue?**
Airbus has identified and contained a quality issue affecting a limited number of A320 metal panels, ensuring that all newly produced panels meet required standards.