Airbus has identified a protective primer issue affecting around 500 A321neo aircraft after a technician discovered gaps while removing paint from a fuselage section during routine maintenance. The primer protects structural stringers in the lower forward fuselage from moisture-related corrosion.
Around 250 affected aircraft are already operating with airlines worldwide. Airbus says there is no immediate safety risk, so the aircraft can continue flying and no grounding is currently required.
Airlines have been given up to two years to complete the necessary repairs, with some aircraft potentially requiring up to nine days out of service. Airbus and Leonardo are investigating how the primer was incorrectly applied.