A recent investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration, Boeing, and Airbus has found that titanium distributed with fake documentation has been used in commercial jets manufactured by Boeing and Airbus. The probe was initiated after small holes were discovered in the material, potentially due to corrosion. Boeing stated that the parts from a limited set of suppliers were in question, but tests indicated that the correct titanium alloy was used. Spirit AeroSystems, a supplier, is also working with investigators to ensure the safety of the parts in question, and has completed over 1,000 tests on the affected material.
While Spirit AeroSystems is looking into counterfeit documents that allowed the questionable titanium to enter the supply chain, Airbus confirmed that it is aware of the situation and has performed numerous tests on parts from the same supplier to confirm the airworthiness of the A220. The FAA is attempting to determine the safety implications of planes that were made using the questionable material, including the Boeing 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner, and the Airbus 220. Boeing has issued a bulletin outlining ways for suppliers to remain alert to potential falsification of records.
The aviation industry has faced a series of quality and safety problems recently, with Boeing experiencing two fatal crashes of its 737 Max in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people and led to a 20-month grounding of the jet. Airbus has also encountered issues with some engines leading to grounding of its planes by various airlines. Concerns about the safety of flying have increased for passengers, and the reduced capacity of planes available for flights has put upward pressure on airfares due to high demand for air travel globally.
In response to the investigation, Boeing has reported a voluntary disclosure to the FAA regarding the procurement of material through a distributor who may have falsified or provided incorrect records. All affected parts on airplanes have been removed prior to delivery, and the in-service fleet has been deemed safe to continue flying. The investigation is ongoing, with the focus on ensuring the airworthiness of the affected material and its potential impact on the safety of the public. It is crucial for the industry to address these quality and safety issues to maintain confidence in air travel and prevent future incidents.
