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A strange case of fraud is currently shaking aviation. Since the beginning of September, there have been increasing reports about a dubious company installing uncertified spare parts on aircraft of well-known airlines.
Allegations of fraud are not insignificant. A London-based company called AOG Technics is understood to have been supplying uncertified engine parts to airline repair shops around the world using forged documents. The parts in question were used in the repair of jet engines by CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric and the French aerospace engineering company Safran.
Major airlines affected
First, Southwest Airlines discovered the apparently fraudulent certificates. Meanwhile, Virgin Australia and global heavyweights United Airlines and most recently American Airlines have also found uncertified engine parts from AOG. In total, almost 100 aircraft were affected. These were immediately retired until the relevant parts (we’re talking turbine blades, seals, and more) were replaced with certified material.
United and American also fly to Switzerland. However, the aircraft used for this are not affected. Whether other airlines have fallen in love with the company is a matter of explanation.
GE, Safran and CFM have now taken legal action against AOG Technics. According to US media, it is a “deepfake company” that is said to be going to great lengths to fool serious buyers. Among other things, AOG is said to have falsified the resumes of its own employees. The company’s website and Linkedin profile are no longer accessible. Business address? A “co-working space” in London offering office space for $100 per month.
Ultimately, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) stated that so far there have been no reports of problems attributed to unapproved parts.
Great concern about criminal activity
The interest of criminal organizations in engine parts is that they can quickly cost tens of thousands of francs; because the demands for materials, labor and certification are very high. Uncertified spare parts can have potentially disastrous consequences for aviation safety.
The “life” of each spare part is usually meticulously documented. High price pressure in aviation and blind faith in electronically transmitted information may have undermined normal safety measures. An expert explained to “Fortune” that it is “worrying” that even very reputable customers can be deceived by dubious suppliers.
Source :Blick
I’m Tim David and I work as an author for 24 Instant News, covering the Market section. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, my mission is to provide accurate, timely and insightful news coverage that helps our readers stay informed about the latest trends in the market. My writing style is focused on making complex economic topics easy to understand for everyone.
