A319
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 165; Flight Crew Total 16000; Flight Crew Type 6327
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
After parking; the flight attendants brought our attention to black soot on top of overhead bins throughout the aircraft. It was shown to outgoing Captain and maintenance. Calls were made to [Operations and Maintenance]; by me. I was told that [Maintenance] discovered 'filters FULL' and the bins were subsequently cleaned. Passengers were boarded and aircraft departed.
After shutdown the flight attendants told us that there was a fine black soot that developed on the overhead bins in the entire airplane they noticed after we shut down. It was written up and pictures are attached. As we were in the secure area the Captain called [Operations] and was eventually told it was because of 'clogged air filters.' We did not take the plane back out; but I am concerned there is more here. If it truly was clogged air filters why were they allowed to get that clogged that there was a fine black soot like this? Could they be properly cleaned and or replaced in [destination]? If the air filters were clogged was a proper cleaning of the entire duct system completed?
A319 flight crew reported being advised by flight attendants of a fine black soot throughout the aircraft. Maintenance said the cause was clogged air filters.