Airbus has identified an issue with the corrosion protection on certain parts of the A321neo aircraft. The problem involves the protective coating on structural elements called stringers, which run along the fuselage. The issue was discovered during production work on the lower front section of the aircraft. While the defect may reduce the resistance of these parts to corrosion, no actual corrosion has been observed on the affected planes. Airbus has assured that the planes are still safe to fly and that the problem is a "quality issue," not a safety issue. The manufacturer has confirmed it has located the source of the problem and has a corrective solution. According to Airbus, the repair does not require removing the stringers from the aircraft. The issue was first reported by The Air Current, a specialized aviation media outlet, on September 24. The publication estimated that more than 500 A321neo aircraft are affected, with about half already in service. Reuters, another news agency, reported similar figures, citing sources close to the case. The A321XLR variant of the aircraft is said to be unaffected. Airlines have not been asked to ground any of their affected aircraft. The main focus now is on the procedures and timing for inspections or repairs. Airbus has not mandated immediate action, and any instructions for repairs would come from airworthiness authorities. For aircraft still in the production phase, the correction may add extra work to the production lines. However, Airbus does not expect this issue to significantly impact its annual delivery targets. The exact impact on delivery schedules remains unclear. When asked by Reuters about the potential effects on deliveries, Airbus did not provide specific details. The company has not yet set a timeline for any necessary repairs or inspections, leaving the focus on ensuring the safety and continued operation of the affected aircraft.