WASHINGTON - Aerospace industry leaders in the United States and Europe announced the creation of a coalition to help prevent unauthorized parts from entering the aviation supply chain and to strengthen the supply chain’s overall integrity.
Founding members of the Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition include senior representatives from Airbus, American Airlines, Boeing, Delta Air Lines, GE Aerospace, Safran, StandardAero and United Airlines. Former NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt and former U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary John D. Porcari will serve as coalition co-chairs.
The coalition’s efforts build on CFM International and its parent companies’ [GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines] actions last year when AOG Technics in London sold engine parts with forged documents.
CFM International says that a review found that less than one percent of its 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 coalition began its work this month, launching a 90-day review to determine opportunities to strengthen existing supply chain operations. This work will form the basis of a comprehensive report with recommendations to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent the introduction of unapproved aviation parts into the supply chain. The coalition’s approach spans the industry, drawing on expertise from manufacturers and airlines to maintenance, repair and overhaul stations, among others. The report is expected later this year.
"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 Robert Sumwalt.
“Through this coalition, we will work to find lasting solutions that the industry can adopt to improve the overall integrity of the aviation supply chain,” said co-chair John D. Porcari.
