Airbus Targets 870 Deliveries Despite A321neo Flaw

Airbus has identified a flaw in the anti-corrosion coating on structural stringers in roughly 500 A321neo aircraft, including some already in service. The company says the issue poses no immediate safety risk, has contained its cause and developed a repair; airlines are continuing to accept affected jets. The problem has pushed about 20 deliveries into the fourth quarter and added uncertainty around Airbus’s goal of delivering roughly 870 aircraft this year, which the company has reaffirmed. Analysts differ on the likely effect: some say the available fix should limit disruption, while others warn that delivery results depend on repair needs and customer responses.