Airbus confirms A321neo coating lapse on about 500 jets

Airbus confirmed a surface-protection shortfall on stringers in the lower forward fuselage of A321neo aircraft, affecting more than 500 jets including about 250 still in production, and said safety is unaffected. Reuters reported on September 28 that Airbus and Leonardo are investigating coatings supplier TESI, a Leonardo subcontractor near Naples; Airbus declined to name suppliers, and Leonardo confirmed TESI is a supplier without saying it is involved. Airlines taking delivery get two years to complete a repair that sources said can take up to nine days; Airbus reaffirmed its 2026 delivery target.