Boeing has asked its suppliers to review records of Chinese titanium purchases since 2014. This request is part of a broader effort to check for false paperwork used to verify the metal used in commercial airplanes, according to a letter seen by Reuters.
In June, regulators began investigating whether false or incorrect documents were used to certify titanium parts in Boeing and Airbus jets. Airbus is also working with authorities to address issues with traceability for a small number of titanium parts used in models like the A220, A320, and A350.
Concerns about forged documentation initially raised fears about the safety of some aircraft. However, manufacturers and suppliers assure that the correct titanium alloy was used and that the planes are safe. In aviation, accurate documentation is crucial for ensuring aircraft safety.
Boeing’s letter, sent to suppliers in mid-July, expands the scope of its request for information. Suppliers are asked to provide details by August 9. It is unclear why Boeing specifically wants records of Chinese titanium purchases dating back a decade.
Boeing says the impact of this issue on its operations is minimal but emphasizes the importance of proper documentation for all titanium parts. Titanium is favored in aerospace for its strength and light weight, making it ideal for engine parts and landing gear. The supply of aerospace-grade titanium is tight due to high demand and efforts by Western nations to find alternatives to Russian and Chinese metal.
Boeing has faced increased scrutiny this year after a door panel blew out mid-air on a new 737 MAX 9 in January. The required documents for repairing this part have not been found, and Boeing believes they were never created.
In a related issue, CFM International, a jet engine manufacturer, revealed last year that a British distributor had sold thousands of engine components with falsified documents.
Joe Buccino, a spokesperson for Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, said the company will comply with Boeing’s request. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the investigation is ongoing, while the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has not yet commented.
In February, Boeing asked suppliers to disclose if they had bought titanium from Titanium International Group (TIG) since January 2019. The New York Times reported in June that TIG found some paperwork accompanying the titanium seemed fake. Boeing has since asked its supply chain to verify the authenticity of their documents after finding some certificates of conformance from China that were not recognized by the original Chinese manufacturer.
