In early March 2025, Airbus disclosed a newly identified issue affecting its A220 series of passenger jets, spotlighting corrosion concerns that have emerged on a select group of these aircraft. This development has drawn attention from both the manufacturer and several airlines operating the A220, including prominent U.S. carriers. The corrosion, detected in specific areas of the aircraft, has prompted an ongoing investigation by Airbus to assess its scope and implications while regulatory bodies and operators collaborate to ensure the fleet remains safe for service. Although described as impacting only a "limited population" of A220s, the issue underscores the challenges of maintaining a relatively new aircraft model in diverse operational environments.
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The corrosion has been observed in two primary locations: passenger seat fittings within the cabin and certain wing components, notably the wing-to-body fairing. The wing-to-body fairing, an aerodynamic cover where the wing meets the fuselage, is designed to reduce drag rather than serve a structural purpose. Meanwhile, the seat fittings, critical for passenger safety and comfort, represent a more immediate point of focus for maintenance teams. Airbus has emphasized that the issue does not currently compromise the airworthiness of the A220 fleet, a stance echoed by airlines like Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Breeze Airways, all of which operate the aircraft in the United States. These carriers have reported that their flight schedules remain unaffected, with no cancellations attributed to the corrosion findings as of mid-March 2025.
Delta Air Lines, the largest operator of the A220 globally, confirmed that its maintenance teams have identified corrosion on some passenger seat fittings, necessitating additional inspections and lubrication. However, the airline noted that its fleet has not exhibited the wing-related corrosion reported elsewhere. Delta’s robust maintenance infrastructure has allowed it to address the issue proactively, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Similarly, JetBlue has acknowledged working closely with Airbus to mitigate the problem, asserting that the reliability of its A220 fleet remains intact. Breeze Airways, a newer entrant to the A220 operator group, has also committed to regular inspections to maintain airworthiness, prioritizing passenger safety in its response.
This is not the first time the A220 has faced scrutiny. In 2021, Transport Canada issued an airworthiness directive addressing corrosion and wear in the wing’s slat tracks attributed to insufficient grease application during production. The current issue, however, appears distinct, extending beyond the scope of that earlier directive. Originally developed as the Bombardier C-Series, the A220 was acquired by Airbus in 2018 amid Bombardier’s financial struggles, with production now split between facilities in Mirabel, Quebec, and Mobile, Alabama. Designed for the 100- to 150-seat market, the aircraft competes with larger regional jets like the Embraer 190 and aging Boeing 717s, offering a modern, fuel-efficient alternative powered exclusively by Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofan engines. Airbus has characterized the corrosion as unsurprising for a new aircraft design, citing the A220’s "clean-sheet" origins—meaning it was built from the ground up rather than adapted from an existing model. The company is working to pinpoint the cause, with early indications suggesting that environmental factors or material interactions may be at play. The FAA, while not leading the investigation due to the aircraft’s Canadian certification roots, has confirmed its awareness and is ensuring that airlines take appropriate action. As of March 16, 2025, the situation remains fluid, with Airbus and its partners continuing to gather data. For now, the A220’s operational track record remains strong, but this latest challenge highlights the complexities of introducing innovative aircraft into the demanding world of commercial aviation.