Airbus has confirmed that some of the A220s are facing limited corrosion issues recently. According to the European manufacturer, this issue affects a small number of A220s, including some used by U.S. airlines. Airbus and airlines confirmed that it’s not an immediate safety risk. However, it has led to many inspections and maintenance checks.
Corrosion has been detected on certain components of the Airbus A220, including passenger seat fittings and the wing-to-body fairing. The wing-to-body fairing is a non-structural component designed to reduce drag where the wing meets the fuselage. While the corrosion does not affect the aircraft’s structural integrity, it has raised questions about maintenance practices and material durability.
“Regular maintenance checks are scheduled to ensure it is captured early, and the right corrective actions are put in place in a timely manner to mitigate the situation. The A220 fleet’s airworthiness remains intact,” said an Airbus spokeswoman to CBS News.
Airline Responses and Inspections on A220 Corrosion
Several airlines operating the A220 have responded to the issue. Delta Air Lines, the world’s largest A220 operator, has observed corrosion on some passenger seat fittings. The airline confirmed that the issue has not impacted flight schedules or caused cancellations.
“Delta has a sophisticated aircraft maintenance apparatus that is always-on and has many layers to ensure that every aircraft in our fleet is safe to fly by meeting or exceeding standards governed by our regulators. There is broad consensus by our technical experts that these issues aren’t surprising, especially for a new, clean-sheet aircraft, and pose no major concerns,” stated an airline spokesperson.
Delta also noted that its maintenance teams have not found corrosion on the wing-to-body fairing in their fleet.
Other U.S. carriers, including JetBlue and Breeze Airways, are also addressing the Airbus A220 corrosion issues. JetBlue, which operates dozens of A220s, stated, “All JetBlue aircraft are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure their safety and reliability. JetBlue is working closely with Airbus to proactively address corrosion on certain areas of some A220 aircraft. This does not impact the reliability of our A220 fleet.”
Similarly, Breeze Airways confirmed it is taking proactive measures, with a spokesperson saying, “the safety of our Guests is our first priority, which is why Breeze performs regular maintenance inspections on all of its aircraft to ensure airworthiness.”
Airbus’s Proactive Measures
Airbus has assured stakeholders that the A220 remains safe to fly. The manufacturer is taking several steps to address the Airbus A220 corrosion issues, including regular maintenance checks, collaboration with airlines to gather data, and ongoing investigations to identify the root cause of the problem.
Moreover, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also involved. In a brief statement to CBS News, an FAA spokesperson confirmed, “The FAA is aware of the issue and is ensuring airlines address it.”
This is not the first time the A220 has faced corrosion-related issues. In 2021, an airworthiness directive was issued to address corrosion and wear in the wing slat tracks, caused by insufficient grease application during production. The directive mandated additional inspections to monitor grease levels on these components.
Sources familiar with the current issue told CBS News that the new Airbus A220 corrosion problems extend beyond the scope of the 2021 directive and are being treated as a separate matter.
Why This Isn’t a Safety Concern
Both Airbus and A220 operators have stressed that the Airbus A220 corrosion issues do not pose an immediate safety risk. The affected components, such as the wing-to-body fairing, are non-structural and do not impact the aircraft’s overall integrity.
Regular maintenance and inspections are designed to catch and address such issues early. Airlines have robust maintenance programs in place to ensure compliance with safety regulations. As Delta Air Lines noted, “These issues aren’t surprising, especially for a new, clean-sheet aircraft, and pose no major concerns.”
Despite these challenges, the A220 remains popular in the narrow-body aircraft market. Its fuel efficiency, range, and passenger comfort make it a popular choice for airlines worldwide. Airbus’s proactive approach to addressing the Airbus A220 corrosion issues demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the aircraft’s reputation and ensuring long-term success.
The Bottom Line: Safety First, Always
The Airbus A220 corrosion issues highlight the importance of rigorous maintenance and continuous improvement in aviation. While the problem has raised concerns, Airbus and the affected airlines are taking swift action to ensure the safety and reliability of the A220 fleet.
Moreover, passengers can continue to fly with confidence, knowing that these issues are being addressed proactively.
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