Counterfeit titanium allegedly entered the supply chain via falsified documents. The accusations are thrown at Airbus and Boeing, the leading commercial aircraft manufacturers.
This revelation, brought to light by a supplier, has prompted a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigation.
Supplier Raises Alarm on Fake Titanium Documents
Spirit AeroSystems, a key supplier based in Wichita, Kansas, alerted authorities to the issue, revealing that both Boeing and Airbus might have utilized titanium verified by possibly counterfeit paperwork.
Spirit AeroSystems acted promptly to remove the suspect titanium from their supply chain. In a statement, the company emphasized its swift response that the case is about the titanium that entered the supply system via knockoff documents.
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Extensive Testing Ensures Airworthiness
To ensure continued airworthiness, Spirit AeroSystems conducted over 1,000 tests to confirm the mechanical and metallurgical properties of the affected material, per NBC News. The company reassured stakeholders that the integrity of its supply chain remains intact.
Industry-Wide Impact of Recent Issue
The titanium issue affects several shipments received by a limited set of suppliers.
"This industry-wide issue affects some shipments of titanium received by a limited set of suppliers, and tests performed to date have indicated that the correct titanium alloy was used," Boeing stated.
Boeing is actively removing any affected parts from airplanes prior to delivery and has issued a bulletin to suppliers, emphasizing vigilance against falsified records.
On the other hand, Airbus, which controls about 60% of the commercial airline market compared to Boeing's 40%, is also under scrutiny. The revelation adds to a series of challenges Boeing faces, including ongoing federal investigations related to safety issues.
Boeing's Recent Troubles
The titanium controversy is just one of many hurdles for Boeing this year. The FAA is also investigating a recent "Dutch roll" incident involving a Boeing 737 Max jet flying from Phoenix to Oakland. Additionally, Boeing faced scrutiny when a door panel blew off a 737 Max-9 mid-flight in January.
The FAA is further examining whether Boeing completed required inspections on its 787 Dreamliner jets.
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
Both Boeing and Airbus are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.
Boeing's analysis indicates that the in-service fleet can continue to fly safely, despite the titanium issue. By removing affected parts and conducting thorough testing, the manufacturers aim to ensure that their aircraft meet all safety regulations.
The FAA's investigation into the potential use of titanium with falsified documents by Boeing and Airbus underscores the critical importance of supply chain integrity and regulatory compliance in the aviation industry.
As the probe continues, both manufacturers are taking steps to address the issue and maintain the safety and reliability of their aircraft. The aviation industry will closely monitor the outcomes of this investigation to ensure that such issues are effectively resolved.
In other news, Boeing Starliner saw success in its recent ISS flight. However, it encountered leaks and other complications.
