Airbus Faces Fuselage Flaw, Delivery Goals at Risk

Airbus has identified a potential quality issue in the fuselage panels of A320-family aircraft, impacting several deliveries. While the full extent of the problem remains unclear, it poses challenges to Airbus's ambitious delivery targets for the year. Analysts are divided on whether Airbus can meet its goals.

Airbus is grappling with a potential industrial flaw affecting the fuselage panels of numerous A320-family aircraft, according to industry insiders. This complication has caused delays in some aircraft deliveries, generating uncertainty about the year-end delivery targets as the company braces for a busy December.

Currently under ongoing investigations, the origin of the issue remains elusive amid Airbus's efforts to accelerate production to achieve ambitious delivery objectives set for this year. The challenge is compounded by a recent software glitch necessitating a recall of jets.

Some deliveries held back by the suspected defect have already altered expectations, with Airbus delivering 72 aircraft in November, fewer than anticipated. The planemaker aims for around 820 deliveries this year, inciting debates among analysts regarding the feasibility of reaching such numbers under current constraints.

(With inputs from agencies.)