Airbus announced on Monday that it has detected an industrial quality problem affecting the metal panels of a “limited number” of A320 family aircraft, confirming information published by Reuters.
In an emailed statement, a spokesperson said the company was inspecting all potentially affected aircraft and that only a portion of them would require additional measures.
“The root cause of the problem has been identified and contained, and all newly manufactured panels meet all requirements,” the spokesperson stated.
They added that this was an issue with a supplier but declined to reveal its name.
This new situation emerges at a time when Airbus is trying to accelerate its pace to meet demanding delivery targets while also managing the impact of a recent aircraft recall due to a software error that came to light over the weekend.
The European manufacturer said on Monday that, out of a total of approximately 6,000 potentially affected aircraft, the vast majority have already received the necessary software update.
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Deliveries Under Pressure
A source with direct knowledge of the matter stated that some deliveries are already being affected, though it was not confirmed how many or for how long. November figures show 72 deliveries, lower than several analysts had projected, bringing the annual total to 657 aircraft.
Airbus’s goal is to close the year with “around 820” deliveries. To achieve this, it would need to reach a record performance exceeding 160 aircraft in December. The best record for that month to date is 138 units, achieved in 2019.
Will Airbus Meet Its Targets?
Analysts disagree on the possibility of the manufacturer reaching its goals. These figures are key because a large part of the payment for each aircraft is finalized upon delivery, impacting revenues and cash flow.
Chloe Lemarie, a Jefferies analyst who closely follows deliveries, estimated 71 units for November and considered the result fell short of expectations. Nevertheless, she noted in a report prior to the disclosure of the quality problem that the target remains within reach thanks to the progressive increase in production.
For his part, independent analyst Rob Morris estimated that Airbus could reach about 800 deliveries. According to him, that figure could be sufficient to meet the target based on the wording of its own forecast, although there is a risk that the final result may end up “slightly below.”
A Decisive Year-End
This new finding adds complexity to a key month for Airbus. With tight figures, a demanding schedule, and new problems in the production chain, the manufacturer faces a final stretch in which every delivery will count. The industry will be watching closely to see if the company can maintain its pace and close the year without ceding ground relative to its own objectives.
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