The origin of titanium used in commercial Boeing and Airbus jets is under investigation by U.S. and European regulators, as it was supplied by a division of China’s largest state-owned aerospace conglomerate. Documents obtained by Forbes show that Titanium International Group (TIG) purchased the suspect metal from AVIC Shaanxi Hongyuan Aviation Forging Co. (HYFC), a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corporation of China. Italian company Leonardo stated that TIG cannot verify the origins of titanium sourced from HYFC as far back as 2016.
While manufacturers and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency do not believe there is a safety risk based on testing of parts made with the suspect metal, Boeing has decided to swap out parts in question on planes it is currently finishing. There is a possibility that authorities may mandate the replacement of components on in-service planes due to the challenge of proving their safety. Aerospace regulators require manufacturers to maintain a detailed paper trail on parts and materials to ensure they meet safety and durability standards.
The memo from TIG reveals that HYFC provided documents certifying that the titanium supplied to the Italian company had been made to aerospace standards by the Chinese company BaoJi Titanium Industry. However, BaoJi denied being the source of the titanium, according to TIG. HYFC and TIG did not respond to questions from Forbes before publication. Boeing disclosed to the Federal Aviation Administration that it sourced parts with suspect Chinese titanium from Spirit AeroSystems, causing concerns for the company already under pressure due to manufacturing quality issues.
Boeing planes, including the 787 Dreamliner and the 737 Max, contain parts made with the suspect titanium. Spirit sourced parts made by Turkish Aerospace Industries with the Chinese-supplied titanium, but Boeing is still determining the full scope of the problem. While a small number of parts from a limited set of suppliers are affected, the correct titanium alloy was reportedly used in tests so far. The suspect titanium has also been used in parts on the Airbus A220, but Airbus stated that the airworthiness of the aircraft remains intact.
Both EASA and the FAA are continuing their investigation into the origins and use of the suspect titanium in commercial jets. Boeing spokeswoman Jessica Kowal noted that tests conducted thus far have shown the correct titanium alloy was used in the parts under scrutiny. Airbus confirmed that the titanium in question has been used in parts on the A220 but maintained the airworthiness of the aircraft. As the investigation progresses, further actions may be required to ensure the safety and integrity of the parts and materials used in commercial jets.
