The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the use of potentially counterfeit titanium in components used by major aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus. The probe follows revelations that a key supplier might have fabricated part certifications, compromising material integrity.
The issue came to light after a disclosure by Boeing regarding a distributor who may have falsified or provided incorrect records. This led to a deeper inquiry by the FAA, which is now examining the breadth and impact of the potential safety hazard.
Spirit AeroSystems, a prominent manufacturer of fuselages for Boeing and wings for Airbus, identified and removed the questionable materials from its production lines. “All suspect parts were quarantined and removed from Spirit production,” said Joe Buccino, a spokesperson for Spirit, in an email to HuffPost. The company has conducted over a thousand tests to validate the properties of the affected titanium, ensuring they meet safety standards.
The New York Times reported that the questionable materials were sourced by Spirit using fake documents that misrepresented the titanium’s authenticity. Concerns were initially raised by a supplier who discovered corrosion holes in the material, indicating degradation.
The controversy affects aircraft produced between 2019 and 2023, specifically targeting Boeing’s 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner, as well as Airbus’ A220 models. Boeing has clarified that the titanium used in the majority of its aircraft production is sourced directly and is not implicated in the ongoing investigation. “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,” a Boeing spokesperson informed HuffPost.
Boeing has taken proactive steps to mitigate any potential risks, stating, “To ensure compliance, we are removing any affected parts on airplanes prior to delivery. Our analysis shows the in-service fleet can continue to fly safely.”
Meanwhile, Airbus has yet to comment on the matter.
This investigation underscores the critical challenges in maintaining supply chain integrity and the importance of rigorous quality control in aerospace manufacturing.