Airbus Faces Metal Panel Quality Issue Amid Delivery Challenges

Airbus has identified a quality issue affecting metal panels on some A320 aircraft. This complicates their efforts to meet annual delivery targets. The flaw is delaying some deliveries, although not all planes are affected. The issue follows a weekend software recall, further straining Airbus's production goals.

Airbus announced it has detected a quality issue regarding metal panels on a few of its A320 aircraft, following a weekend aircraft recall due to a software problem. The latest issue has caused Airbus shares to drop sharply, reaching a 5.6% decrease on Monday.

According to Airbus, the problem was traced to a supplier, though they did not specify which, and affects only a portion of the jets. Airbus now faces hurdles in meeting its target of delivering 820 aircraft this year, as the quality flaw delays some shipments.

Despite the setback, aviation analysts remain cautious but hopeful that the company can still reach its goal, with internal notes indicating the potential to deliver around 800 aircraft. Shares of airlines like Lufthansa and easyJet have also felt the impact, reacting to the delivery uncertainties with lower market performance.

(With inputs from agencies.)