Washington: The Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition has released a recent report urging new measures to prevent unapproved parts from infiltrating the aviation supply chain. The coalition formed in February 2024, outlined several key recommendations to enhance safety and ensure the integrity of the supply network.
The report of the coalition calls for stronger vendor accreditation, digitisation of documentation, and improved traceability of parts. Additionally, it advocates for best practices in the inspection and reception of parts, as well as the scrapping and destruction of unusable materials.
The push for these new measures comes after a 2023 incident involving CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran. The company revealed that thousands of engine components were sold with forged paperwork by British distributor AOG Technics.
The issue primarily affected a small number of CFM56 models, the world’s best-selling jet engine. British authorities have since arrested a suspect and launched a formal investigation into the allegations.
Former National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt, one of the coalition’s co-chairs, stressed the importance of implementing these recommendations. “These steps will close gaps and add new layers of safety, reinforcing the integrity of the supply chain,” Sumwalt stated. He praised the aviation industry’s swift action in containing the rogue parts but acknowledged that more needs to be done to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition is headed by GE Aerospace and includes major industry players such as Boeing, Airbus, Safran, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
The report highlighted that less than 1 percent of CFM engines were impacted by the counterfeit parts issue but underscored the need for heightened vigilance across the industry.
IMPORTANT | Hurricane Milton wrecks Florida: Life-threatening warnings still in place
