Search Here

Airbus is addressing corrosion concerns found on certain A220 passenger jets, affecting a "limited population" of the aircraft.

While the issue has been detected on some jets operated by US airlines, the manufacturer and airlines have assured the public that it does not pose an immediate safety threat.

The corrosion has been found in areas such as passenger seat fittings and some components of the wing, specifically the wing-to-body fairing.

This part of the wing is designed to reduce aerodynamic drag where the wing meets the fuselage but is not structurally critical.

According to CBS, Airbus has confirmed that regular maintenance checks are in place to identify such issues early, allowing for timely corrective actions. "The A220 fleet's airworthiness remains intact," said an Airbus spokeswoman in a statement.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been informed of the issue and is ensuring that affected airlines are addressing the corrosion problem.

Delta Air Lines, the largest operator of the A220, stated that the corrosion observed on some of their aircraft's seat fittings only requires additional inspection and lubrication.

Despite the issue, Delta reassured the public that it has not caused any flight cancellations. "There is broad consensus by our technical experts that these issues aren't surprising for a new aircraft and pose no major concerns," said a Delta spokesperson.

Other airlines, such as JetBlue and Breeze Airways, also operate A220s and have confirmed they are taking proactive measures to mitigate the issue.

Both carriers emphasized that the reliability and safety of their A220 fleets are not affected. "We are working closely with Airbus to proactively address corrosion on certain areas of some A220 aircraft," a JetBlue spokesperson noted.

Airbus Investigates New Corrosion Issues in A220 Jets, Following 2021 Directive

The corrosion issue follows a 2021 airworthiness directive from Transport Canada that addressed corrosion and wear in the slat tracks of A220 wings, likely caused by insufficient grease application during production.

That directive led to additional inspections but did not directly address the current corrosion concerns. Sources indicate that the new corrosion problems go beyond what was covered by the earlier directive.

The A220, which was originally developed by Bombardier as the C-Series before being acquired by Airbus, is known for its fuel efficiency and seating capacity of 100 to 150 passengers, AviacionAlAdia said.

It was designed as a replacement for older regional jets like the Embraer 190 and Boeing 717. The plane is assembled in both Quebec, Canada, and Mobile, Alabama.

While the FAA and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) validated the A220's certification, the Canadian aviation authorities were the original certifying body. As such, they are the primary agency in handling matters related to the aircraft.

Despite the ongoing investigation into corrosion, Airbus and its partner airlines continue to assure passengers that A220 jets remain safe for operation, with regular maintenance and safety checks in place to protect both aircraft and passengers.

Tags

Airbus