Investigation into Flawed Parts Supplying Boeing

MILAN (Reuters) – Italian prosecutors on Saturday accused seven individuals and two subcontractors of crimes including fraud and breaching airplane safety regulations following an investigation into suspected defective parts manufactured by an Italian company for Boeing (NYSE:BA).

The investigation began in late 2021 after Boeing revealed that certain parts for its 787 Dreamliner, supplied by a company associated with Italian aerospace group Leonardo, were improperly manufactured.

Prosecutors stated that two Italian subcontractors used cheaper and non-compliant titanium and aluminum to produce certain components, thus saving significant amounts on material costs. This resulted in the production of airplane parts with considerably lower static and stress resistance, jeopardizing aviation safety.

Aerospace specialists collaborating with prosecutors verified that at least 4,829 non-compliant titanium components and 1,158 aluminum components were implicated in this case.

The investigation concluded that some of these non-compliant structural parts could potentially pose safety risks to the aircraft, necessitating Boeing to begin an extraordinary maintenance campaign on the affected planes. Prosecutors noted that both Boeing and Leonardo were victims of the alleged crimes and had collaborated with the inquiry.

The individuals and subcontractors named in the accusation will now have the opportunity to present new evidence in their defense before prosecutors decide on whether to seek a trial.

Leonardo has not provided any comments. Boeing stated it would issue a response in due course.