Airbus probes cracks in 500 aircraft as Austrian Airlines threatens fleet cuts over Vienna costs

Story Timeline
2 hours · 2 summary articles
Airbus probes cracks in 500 aircraft as Austrian Airlines threatens fleet cuts over Vienna costs
Airbus finds coating cracks in 500 aircraft, speeds repairs as supply chain scrutiny grows
Continuation
Airbus is investigating defects in approximately 500 aircraft, including 250 in various production stages, after a technician discovered cracks in a protective undercoat beneath the paint on a fuselage section. The issue involves reinforcing rods called longerons in the forward fuselage section of the A321neo, prompting engineers from Airbus and Leonardo to work with coating supplier TESI to identify the root cause, which remains unresolved, Reuters reported .
Airlines receiving affected aircraft will have two years to complete repairs, rather than the standard four-year maintenance cycle, with work expected to take up to nine days per plane, including 2-3 days for core repairs. Airbus confirmed safety remains unaffected and that parts will not need removal from the fuselage panels.
Meanwhile, Austrian Airlines faces hurdles in renewing its long-haul fleet due to high costs at its Vienna hub. The carrier, part of Lufthansa Group, had planned to replace its Boeing 767 and 777 fleet with 12 new 787 Dreamliners by 2029. However, industry insiders suggest the purchase of five additional new 787s may be scrapped unless Austria reduces state-imposed costs, according to Der Standard .
AUA CEO Annette Mann highlighted that state costs in Austria have risen 85% since 2019, nearly double the European average, making investments less viable. The airline has already received three 787s from Lufthansa but may redirect the remaining five to other parts of the group if cost relief is not secured, Die Presse reported .
Follow us for live European news
- 2
- 1
- 1
2 further sources not geolocated

