The aviation industry is currently facing an unprecedented scandal: Two Italian suppliers are alleged to have manufactured inferior components and incorporated them into the production process for years. A total of around 6,000 suspect components delivered to the company Leonardo-Aerostructures in Grottaglie (Apulia) were confiscated. The company manufactures components - in particular fuselage parts - for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The components that were seized include spacers, brackets and clips that were installed in load-bearing fuselage parts. The components were made of inferior alloys instead of the prescribed titanium. The aluminum composition also did not meet the applicable standards. Investigators found that the materials have significantly lower static and dielectric strength properties, which poses significant risks to flight safety.

This case is a particularly clear example of the dangers that can arise from counterfeit components in safety-critical industries. Poor material quality and a lack of controls can have devastating consequences for transport safety. To prevent such incidents, companies and suppliers can monitor their production and supply chains more closely and take effective measures against counterfeit products.

Image: Niklas Jonasson (Unspalsh)