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Airbus Inspects A320 Panels After Supplier Quality Issue, Days After Rapid Software Fix

Airbus is inspecting a limited number of A320 panels after identifying a supplier quality issue, and is taking a conservative approach by checking aircraft that could be affected. The company recently rolled out a software update for roughly 6,000 A320-family jets to prevent data corruption linked to intense solar radiation—an issue regulators ordered airlines to fix. The software bug has been tied to a JetBlue altitude incident on Oct. 30 that injured passengers; fewer than 100 aircraft still require modifications.

12:29 AM, 12/02/2025Security
Airbus Inspects A320 Panels After Supplier Quality Issue, Days After Rapid Software Fix

Airbus has launched inspections of metal panels on a limited number of A320-family single-aisle jets after identifying a supplier quality issue, the company said. The announcement came just days after Airbus rolled out a rapid software update to address a separate flight-control vulnerability affecting roughly 6,000 aircraft.

Company engineers said the source of the panel problem has been identified and contained, and that all newly produced panels meet specifications. As a precautionary measure, Airbus is inspecting all aircraft that could potentially be affected, while noting that only a portion of those inspected are expected to require corrective action.

Airbus relies on thousands of external suppliers for parts and components, which increases the complexity of ensuring consistent quality across its fleet. The panel inspection program is intended to confirm conformity and prevent any in-service issues.

The panel announcement followed news that most A320-family jets have already received a software update devised to prevent corruption of data critical to flight controls. Airbus said an unusual case of intense solar radiation could corrupt certain data, and that the update mitigates that vulnerability.

Regulators in the United States and Europe — the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) — required airlines to implement the software fix. More than 500 U.S.-registered A320-family aircraft were affected, including jets operated by American Airlines and Delta. Other carriers impacted included All Nippon Airways, Air India and Lufthansa.

The software issue is suspected of contributing to a sudden altitude drop on a JetBlue flight from Cancun to Newark on Oct. 30 that injured at least 15 passengers; some required hospital treatment. Airbus said the "vast majority" of short-haul A320-series jets have now received the modification, and the company is working with airlines to support changes to fewer than 100 remaining aircraft so they can return to service.

Airbus apologized for any disruption to passengers and airlines. The company also acknowledged that the two closely timed announcements—first the software fix, then the panel inspections—prompted a short-term negative reaction in its share price as investors weighed the operational and supply-chain implications.

What happens next

Airlines will continue to coordinate with Airbus and aviation authorities to complete inspections and apply any needed repairs or replacements. Airbus said it has contained the supplier issue and is taking steps to prevent recurrence while ensuring fleet safety and operational continuity.

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