Boeing and Airbus, the leading commercial aircraft manufacturers, are under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for allegedly using titanium with falsified documentation in their planes. This probe was initiated following evidence presented by Spirit Aerosystems, a key supplier.
Spirit AeroSystems alerts FAA
Spirit Aerosystems, based in Wichita, Kansas, alerted the FAA to the possibility that Boeing and Airbus had received titanium supported by counterfeit documents. The company acted swiftly, removing all suspect titanium from its supply chain.
“This is about titanium that has entered the supply system via documents that have been counterfeited. When this was identified, all suspect parts were quarantined and removed from Spirit production,” the company said in a statement. Spirit added that “more than 1,000 tests have been completed to confirm the mechanical and metallurgical properties of the affected material to ensure continued airworthiness.”
FAA’s response
The FAA confirmed it would investigate these allegations. “Boeing reported a voluntary disclosure to the FAA regarding procurement of material through a distributor who may have falsified or provided incorrect records,” the FAA stated. “Boeing issued a bulletin outlining ways suppliers should remain alert to the potential of falsified records.”
Boeing’s ongoing scrutiny
This development adds to a series of challenges for Boeing, already facing multiple federal investigations concerning safety issues. The company, which controls about 40% of the commercial airline market, is once again in the spotlight alongside its main competitor, Airbus, which holds a 60% market share.
Company statements
Boeing acknowledged the issue, stating, “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 also assured that affected parts would be removed before aircraft deliveries, emphasizing that “our analysis shows the in-service fleet can continue to fly safely.”
This news coincides with another FAA investigation into a Boeing 737 Max incident, where the aircraft experienced a “Dutch roll” during a flight from Phoenix to Oakland last month. Additionally, the FAA is examining whether Boeing completed necessary inspections on its 787 Dreamliner jets, following a series of incidents, including a door panel blowing off a 737 Max-9 mid-air in January.
The aviation industry awaits further details as these investigations unfold, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining stringent safety standards and verification processes.