Boeing has recently intensified its efforts to ensure the authenticity of titanium used in its aircraft by asking suppliers to provide documentation on Chinese titanium dating back to 2014. This move comes as the company expands its checks for false paperwork that has been used to authenticate the metal. In June, regulators announced that they were investigating whether false or incorrect documents were used to identify the authenticity of titanium used for parts in some Boeing and Airbus jets. Reports of forged documentation initially raised concerns about the structural integrity of some aircraft, but both Boeing and Airbus have stated that the correct titanium alloy was used and that their products are safe.
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In a letter to suppliers sent in mid-July, Boeing requested details by August 9, stating, "In the interest of full compliance, we are now broadening the scope of our request." The company has emphasized that while the impact of the industry-wide issue is extremely limited for Boeing, it is "continuing to work with our suppliers to ensure that every titanium part is properly documented." The aviation giant's request for a decade-long paper trail comes amid a probe into the files used to authenticate the metal. The issue of titanium authenticity has been a growing concern in the industry, especially as titanium supply has become tight due to the demand for planes and as Western nations seek alternatives to metal made in Russia and China.
Boeing has been under scrutiny all year following the Jan. 5 mid-air blowout of a door panel on a new 737 MAX 9. The required documents detailing the removal of that key part for repairs have not been located, and Boeing believes they were never created. Rival Airbus has also been affected by the issue and is collaborating with authorities to investigate the lack of proper traceability affecting a small number of titanium parts from suppliers to programs like the A220, A320, and A350.
In June, The New York Times reported that TIG noticed that the material looked different from previous supplies and determined that the paperwork accompanying the titanium seemed inauthentic. Boeing has since asked its supply chain to confirm their paperwork is legitimate after the company reviewed certificates of conformance from China not recognized as authentic by the original Chinese manufacturer. As Boeing and Airbus continue to work with their suppliers and authorities to address the issue of titanium authenticity, the industry-wide effort to ensure the safety and integrity of aircraft remains a top priority.