Airbus is preparing checks on the A320 due to a fuselage defect affecting deliveries

• Airbus has trimmed its 2025 aircraft delivery target after discovering a supplier-related defect in fuselage panels used on some A320 family aircraft, according to the BBC.
• Based on a recent supplier quality issue related to fuselage panels affecting the A320 family delivery flow, Airbus SE is providing an update to its 2025 commercial aircraft delivery guidance.

Airbus has cut its 2025 delivery forecast, citing a “supplier quality issue” affecting fuselage panels on a limited number of A320 family aircraft.

The manufacturer said in a statement that it now expects to deliver about 790 commercial aircraft in 2025, a decline from previous expectations. The damaged panels, located in the front part of the fuselage, were found to be either too thick or too thin. Up to 600 aircraft may need to be inspected, although not all are expected to need repairs.

According to Airbus, the root cause has been “identified and contained,” and all newly produced panels meet specifications. The company added that the problem “does not affect the flight safety” of the aircraft in question, but inspections will determine any corrective action required.

A spokesperson described the company’s approach as “conservative,” noting that Airbus is examining all aircraft potentially affected by the accident as a precaution.

Despite the delivery revision, Airbus maintains its 2025 financial guidance, including:

The quality issue comes just days after thousands of A320 aircraft were temporarily grounded due to an unrelated urgent software update. Airbus is scheduled to publish commercial aircraft orders and deliveries for November on Friday, December 5.