European aerospace giant Airbus is confronting significant production challenges as it prepares to conduct inspections on 628 A320 family aircraft due to recently identified fuselage panel defects. According to internal documentation reviewed by Reuters, the comprehensive inspection program encompasses 168 aircraft currently in active service and 460 planes at various production stages.
The manufacturing issue involves metal panels at the forward section of the aircraft that exhibit incorrect thickness specifications following stretching and milling processes. Industry sources indicate that approximately 100 aircraft on assembly lines were earmarked for delivery before year-end, potentially impacting Airbus’s annual delivery targets.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury acknowledged the problem’s effect on operations during what he described as a ‘weak’ November for deliveries. While confirming the aircraft population affected includes both in-production and in-service units, company officials have declined to comment on specific figures previously reported by Bloomberg.
Notably, the quality concern differs fundamentally from recent software-related recalls, as aviation authorities and Airbus do not currently classify the fuselage issue as an immediate safety priority. However, the logistical challenges are substantial—while inspections may require only hours per aircraft, subsequent repairs could extend to three to five weeks according to industry publication The Air Current.
The defect originated with components supplied by Seville-based Sofitec Aero, one of two providers for the affected parts. The supplier has not responded to multiple requests for comment since the issue was first identified by the Wall Street Journal. Airbus anticipates providing further updates on the situation’s operational impact in coming days as assessment continues.