A Federal Aviation Administration probe into Spirit AeroSystems (a major supplier of components for Airbus and Boeing) revealed a disturbing truth - the company put counterfeit Chinese titanium into both Boeing and Airbus planes with false documentation. The FAA has launched an investigation, as has the EASA, Boeing, and Airbus.
Boeing told CNN that "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.”
Spirit AeroSystems said the investigation is looking into counterfeit documents that allowed the questionable titanium to enter the supply chain.
“When this was identified, all suspect parts were quarantined and removed from Spirit production,” said Joe Buccino, a spokesperson for Spirit. “More than 1,000 tests have been completed to confirm the mechanical and metallurgical properties of the affected material to ensure continued airworthiness.”
Airbus said it is aware of the situation.
“Numerous tests have been performed on parts coming from the same source of supply,” it said in its statment. “They show that the A220’s airworthiness remains intact.”
According to the New York Times, the counterfeit titanium likely ended up in Airbus’ A220s and Boeings 737 MAXs and 787s.
Spirit Aerosystems, they have their 737 Fuselage assembly in plant right down the road from where I’m interning. The reason this titanium deal became a problem is because of US Sanctions on RU following the war in Ukraine.
“Russian VSMPO-AVISMA is the world’s largest titanium producer with approximately 25% of global titanium market.–Western aerospace companies are heavily reliant on Russian titanium. Among OEMs, Boeing sources 1/3 of its titanium requirements from Russia, Airbus around 50% and Embraer almost its entire supply. Similarly, the engine suppliers Safran and Rolls Royce respectively source approximately 50% and 20% of their titanium from Russia. Further highlighting this interdependency, VSMPO and Boeing set up a strategic partnership in 2015 for development of titanium alloys and technologies.”
Manufacturers and contractors are being forced to move away to other sources, AKA China, that doesn’t have the aerospace expertise. They’ll get there eventually, but thats why these issues are happening right now