Airbus asks A330neo operators to inspect aircraft for stray tools

Airbus has asked several A330neo operators to add stray-tool inspections to their routine maintenance checks, according to Bloomberg. The request follows a problem identified earlier this year involving the type's horizontal tail plane.

The matter came to light when a tool was found inside the structure of an A330neo during a pre-delivery inspection, Reuters reported. Airbus then examined A330neos at its own facilities over concerns about the horizontal tail plane.

Bloomberg reports that a set number of A330neos built between 2021 and July 2026 have been singled out for the additional checks. Airbus told Bloomberg the finding in the production aircraft was isolated and that it is working to rule out anything similar on aircraft already in service. The manufacturer said it does not compromise on quality or safety.

Airbus wants the inspections done during planned maintenance, anticipating they could later become compulsory. According to Bloomberg, the manufacturer said the European Union Aviation Safety Agency had confirmed there is no immediate safety concern. EASA is expected to set a deadline by mid-November for affected operators to finish the required inspections.

Delivery figures for the period show no A330neos were handed over in June or July 2026. A single aircraft went to Starlux Airlines in August 2026. Earlier in the year, Airbus delivered nine A330neos: none in January and February, three in March, two in April and four in May.