European aerospace giant Airbus is confronting a fresh challenge with its best-selling A320 family of aircraft, uncovering a quality issue with metal fuselage panels on several models. This discovery comes mere days after a separate software malfunction forced the grounding of nearly a thousand jets worldwide.
Details of the Latest Fuselage Panel Issue
Airbus confirmed to Reuters that it had identified a 'quality issue' affecting a limited number of A320 metal panels. The company stated the root cause has been traced to a supplier, whose name was not disclosed, and has been contained. All newly produced panels now meet the required specifications.
A spokesperson emphasised that the matter was related to quality control rather than an immediate safety concern, and there are no indications that aircraft currently in service have been affected. The company has committed to checking all potentially impacted aircraft, though the Telegraph reported it is hoped most will not require further action.
Compounding Problems for the Airbus Fleet
This new development adds to a turbulent period for Airbus. Shares in the company fell by 11 per cent following the announcement. It follows urgent repairs required last week for a software vulnerability, which led to the grounding of thousands of A320neo-family planes as the firm raced to issue an update.
While many aircraft received a swift software patch, approximately 900 older A320 models require an entirely new computer, leading to extended delays and disruptions. This software flaw was linked to a recent incident aboard a JetBlue flight, where at least 15 passengers were injured after an aircraft suddenly lost altitude, forcing an emergency landing in Florida.
Impact on UK Airlines and Passengers
The ripple effects of these consecutive issues have been felt across the UK aviation sector. Several carriers, including easyJet and Wizz Air, were compelled to conduct safety checks on their Airbus A320 fleets. Passengers travelling through airports like Gatwick were warned to anticipate flight delays over the weekend as airlines worked to implement the necessary software updates.
Airbus continues to manage the fallout from both the software and quality control issues, assuring regulators and airlines that all newly produced components are compliant. The Daily Mail has contacted Airbus for further comment on the latest panel quality findings.
