New Fuselage Panel Issue Emerges for Airbus A320 Family
Airbus, the European aerospace giant, is currently addressing a newly identified quality issue concerning metal fuselage panels on a limited number of its popular A320 family aircraft. This development, reported around December 1-2, 2025, involves a physical defect in panels supplied for models such as the A319neo, A320neo, and A321neo.
Industry sources indicate that the flaw, described as a 'supplier quality issue' or 'industrial quality problem,' affects 'several dozen' aircraft currently in production. The affected panels are located at the front of the aircraft, specifically behind the cockpit alongside the two front doors. Airbus has confirmed that the source of the issue has been identified and contained, and all newly produced panels meet the required standards.
Impact on Deliveries and Market Reaction
While Airbus emphasizes that the defect does not affect aircraft already in service and poses no immediate safety concerns for operational planes, it is causing delays in aircraft deliveries. The manufacturer is taking a 'conservative approach' by inspecting all potentially impacted aircraft, though only a portion is expected to require remedial action.
This new challenge further complicates Airbus's ambitious target of delivering approximately 820 commercial aircraft in 2025. The company was already behind schedule, and analysts suggest that meeting this goal would now require an unprecedented number of deliveries in December. The news led to a significant drop in Airbus's stock price, falling by as much as 10-11% in Paris trading.
Recent Software Glitch Preceded Panel Problem
The fuselage panel issue follows closely on the heels of a major software glitch that Airbus had just addressed. This previous problem affected an estimated 6,000 A320 family aircraft globally. The software vulnerability was linked to 'intense solar radiation' potentially corrupting data critical to flight control systems, specifically impacting the aircraft's nose angle or 'angle of attack'.
The software issue came to light after a JetBlue A320 experienced an uncommanded altitude drop on October 30. Airbus mandated urgent software updates, and as of December 1, 2025, the 'vast majority' of the affected fleet had received the necessary modifications, with fewer than 100 aircraft still awaiting updates. The rapid response from Airbus and airlines helped mitigate major disruptions, despite the timing coinciding with the busy Thanksgiving holiday period in the United States.
Outlook
Airbus, headquartered in France, is working to manage both the panel and software issues to minimize operational disruptions and maintain its production schedule. The company continues to assure stakeholders that its quality assurance processes are robust and that ongoing fleet inspections are being conducted.
6 Comments
Africa
While the defect doesn't pose immediate safety risks, the cumulative effect of these issues—software and now fuselage—could undermine confidence in Airbus's ability to consistently deliver high-quality aircraft on schedule. They're under a lot of pressure.
Coccinella
Robust quality assurance means they catch these things before they become critical.
Muchacho
No safety concerns for flying planes is the most important thing.
ZmeeLove
While it's reassuring that in-service aircraft aren't affected, these recurring quality issues are worrying for future production reliability. They need to get their supply chain under control.
Bella Ciao
This will definitely hurt their reputation and market share.
Noir Black
Supplier quality issue' sounds like deflecting blame.