Airbus shares fell over 1% Friday after disclosing a quality flaw in its best-selling A321neo jets. The issue involves insufficient corrosion protection on structural components inside the forward fuselage.
The defect impacts approximately 500 aircraft. Roughly 250 affected jets are already in service. The remaining 250 units are currently in various stages of production.
Airbus stated the problem poses no immediate safety risk. Operators may continue flying the affected aircraft while awaiting repairs.
The manufacturer identified the source and developed a remedy that avoids major disassembly. However, rework requirements for planes in the production system may pressure near-term delivery schedules.