Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Airbus Lowers Delivery Target Due to A320 Defects
Airbus has found problems with the metal panels on some of their A320 planes.
These panels are either too thick or too thin because of a mistake in how they were made.
About 628 planes need to be checked, including some that are already being used and others that are still being built.
Because of this problem, Airbus has lowered the number of planes they plan to deliver this year from 820 to 790.
They are still checking all the affected planes, and most of the panels are expected to be okay.
This is not the only problem they have had recently.
Just a few days ago, they had to recall many planes because of a software issue.
These problems have made investors worried and have caused the company's stock to drop.
Airbus is also having trouble with the engines on their newer A320neo planes, which has forced some planes to be taken out of service for maintenance.
Airbus has identified defects in fuselage panels on 628 A320 jets, including 168 in service and 245 in assembly.
The defects are due to incorrect thickness from a stretching and milling process carried out by Sofitec Aero.
Inspections will be issued to airlines in the coming days, with repairs potentially taking 3 to 5 weeks.
Airbus has lowered its delivery target for the year from 820 to 790 jets due to the defects and recent software recall.
The issue is not considered an immediate safety concern, but it has impacted deliveries and may affect year-end targets.
- Who
- Airbus and its suppliers
- What
- Fuselage panel defects on A320 jets and lowered delivery target
- When
- Recently discovered, with inspections to be issued in coming days
- Where
- A320 jets in production and in service
- Why
- Defects due to incorrect thickness from stretching and milling process, and recent software recall
- Affected Aircraft
- 628 A320 jets
- Aircraft in Service
- 168
- Aircraft in Assembly
- 245
- Aircraft in Major Component Assembly
- 215
- Manufacturer
- Airbus
- Defect Cause
- Incorrect thickness due to stretching and milling
- Supplier
- Sofitec Aero
- Estimated Repair Time
- 3 to 5 weeks
- New Delivery Target
- 790 jets
- Previous Delivery Target
- 820 jets
Sources
Days After Massive A320 Recall Over Software Glitch, Airbus Now Flags New Fuselage Panel Defects on 628 Jets
Airbus finds wider fuselage panel defects on A320s; 628 jets to be inspected - Telegraph India
Airbus cuts delivery target after troubles with most popular jet
Airbus A320 quality issues force planemaker to reduce next year’s delivery target; financial outlook unchanged
