Boeing 737 fuselages sent from Spirit AeroSystems sit near Boeing’s Factory in Renton, Wash., on May 16, 2019. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating how titanium that appears to have lacked proper certification made its way into Boeing and Airbus passenger planes, according to the agency and companies involved in the manufacturing process.
“More than 1,000 tests have been completed to confirm the mechanical and metallurgical properties of the affected material to ensure continued airworthiness,” Buccino said. The FAA said in a statement that Boeing disclosed the issue to regulators voluntarily and issued a bulletin to suppliers, reminding them to be alert to the potential of falsified records. The agency said it was investigating the scope of the problem.
“We are removing any affected parts on airplanes prior to delivery,” Boeing said in a statement. “Our analysis shows the in-service fleet can continue to fly safely.”