"Possibility of Involvement by Chinese Company"…Use of 'Forged Certification' Titanium in Boeing Aircraft

Corrosion Causes Hole... US Authorities and Manufacturer Investigate
NYT "Possible Counterfeiting by Chinese Company"

The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 14th (local time) that titanium with forged certification was used in aircraft parts recently manufactured by the world's two major aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus.

According to the NYT, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aircraft parts supplier Spirit AeroSystems began an investigation after small corrosion-induced holes were found in the titanium.

Airbus aircraft
Photo by AP Yonhap News

The FAA stated, "We are investigating the scope of the issue and assessing the short- and long-term safety impacts on the aircraft using the affected parts," adding, "Boeing has voluntarily disclosed information related to material procurement through distributors who may have forged or provided false records."

It is unclear how many aircraft contain the problematic titanium or which airlines own these aircraft.

Spirit supplies fuselages to Boeing and wings to Airbus. The parts containing the titanium were used in aircraft manufactured between 2019 and 2023, including the Boeing 737 Max, 787 Dreamliner, and Airbus A220.

According to Spirit officials, the 787 Dreamliner used the titanium parts in passenger doors, cargo compartment doors, and engine-to-fuselage connection areas, while the 737 Max and A220 used titanium parts in thermal barrier shields at the engine-to-fuselage connection points.

Spirit representatives said they are verifying the source of the titanium, whether the forged certification still meets appropriate quality standards, and if the affected parts are structurally robust enough to withstand the aircraft's expected lifespan. They are also considering removing and replacing the parts if necessary.

The NYT, while unclear about where and how the certification forgery occurred, cited sources familiar with the matter suggesting possible involvement of a Chinese company. A source indicated that an employee of the Chinese company that sold the titanium appears to have forged details on the certification. The certificate states that the material came from another Chinese company, Baoji Titanium Industry, which supplies verified titanium. However, Baoji Titanium Industry told the NYT, "We do not know the company accused of forging the certificate and have never done business with them."

Spirit confirmed that the titanium grade is suitable for supply to aircraft manufacturers but has not determined whether it was processed through approved manufacturing procedures. The titanium passed some material tests but failed others.

Boeing and Airbus stated that tests conducted on the material showed no signs of issues.