Major U.S. airlines, including Delta, United, Southwest, and American, have recently made a startling discovery within their aircraft fleets. These carriers have found that some of their jet engines were equipped with parts that carried forged safety certificates. The revelation has led to a lawsuit against a London-based parts supplier named AOG Technics, which has been accused of providing these unapproved components. This alarming development has raised concerns about safety, compliance, and the potential implications for air travel.

The Unapproved Parts

The unapproved components in question include compressor stator vane seals and low-pressure turbine blades, critical elements in the operation of jet engines. These parts are essential for maintaining the safety and efficiency of aircraft engines. The affected engine model primarily identified in this issue is the CFM56, a widely used engine in commercial aviation.

The Alleged Supplier – AOG Technics

AOG Technics is a company that specializes in the acquisition and distribution of aircraft parts to maintenance and repair organizations. Allegedly, this supplier provided these unapproved parts to various airlines, which have now come under scrutiny for their safety practices. This situation has cast a shadow on the integrity and reliability of the aerospace supply chain.

Delta Air Lines Responds

Delta Air Lines, one of the major carriers affected, has responded promptly to the discovery. The airline stated that these unapproved parts were found in a “small number” of aircraft engines during a recent overhaul. Delta emphasized its commitment to safety, asserting that it is working closely with the overhaul provider to replace the faulty parts promptly. According to a Delta spokesperson, the affected engines accounted for less than 1% of the airline’s extensive fleet of over 2,100 engines, and no aircraft were in operation with the unapproved parts.

United Airlines Investigates

United Airlines, another affected carrier, disclosed that it discovered unapproved parts in two of its aircraft. The airline clarified that the compressor stator vane seals, provided by the same supplier, had been installed in a single engine on each of the two aircraft. One of these engines was already undergoing routine maintenance. United promptly decided to replace the affected engines on both aircraft before they could be returned to service. The airline has committed to continuing its investigation in collaboration with its suppliers to prevent similar issues in the future.

Southwest Airlines Addresses the Issue

Southwest Airlines also encountered the presence of unapproved parts in its fleet. However, the airline emphasized that this discovery did not disrupt its flight operations significantly. Only one aircraft engine out of its extensive fleet of more than 800 Boeing 737s was affected. Southwest is actively addressing the issue, ensuring that the aircraft with unapproved parts are taken out of service for necessary maintenance and repairs.

Safety Remains the Top Priority

The discovery of unapproved jet engine parts raises serious concerns regarding the safety and compliance standards within the aviation industry. The airlines involved have demonstrated their commitment to passenger safety by promptly addressing the issue and taking the necessary steps to replace the faulty components.