Planemakers Partner to Halt Infiltration of Unauthorized Parts

Airbus, Boeing and GE Aerospace announced February 22 the formation of a coalition that aims to prevent unauthorized aircraft parts from entering the plane manufacturing supply chain. 

Reuters reports that the move comes after jet engine maker CFM International, co-owned by GE Aerospace and France's Safran, in 2023 said thousands of engine components may have been sold with forged paperwork by British distributor AOG Technics. 

According to a February 22 statement from aircraft equipment manufacturer Safran, the coalition, dubbed the Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition, will include senior representatives from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Safran, StandardAero and United Airlines. Former National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt and former U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary John Porcari will serve as coalition co-chairs, the statement added.

“While an extensive review found that less than 1% of CFM engines were affected and most parts involved were non-serialized items like bolts, washers, and bushings, the coalition will take a broader look at preventing future similar actions,” the statement said. 

“We were able to stop a rogue actor and quarantine the parts last year thanks to swift action from the aviation industry, but more is needed to stop anyone who tries to take a shortcut in the future,” said co-chair Sumwalt.