United Airlines Boeing 737-800
United Airlines is replacing engines on two Boeing 737NGs after finding parts from AOG Technics, a UK-based supplier alleged to have falsified certification documents.
The parts in question—which have not been confirmed as having falsified records—were found on a single CFM56-7 on each of the two aircraft, an airline spokesperson confirmed. One of the aircraft was already undergoing routine maintenance at the time.
“As we investigated this matter, we learned that compressor stator vane seals from this supplier had been installed on a single engine on each of two aircraft,” the United spokesperson told Aviation Daily. “We are replacing the affected engines on both aircraft before they are returned to service, and we’ll continue to investigate as new information becomes available from our suppliers.”
Virgin Australia Airlines and Southwest Airlines have also been identified as carriers to have found parts traced to broker AOG Technics. Bloomberg was first to report the airlines impacted. Southwest confirms only one 737 was affected, noting that none of the parts are on its inventory as related work is performed with outside vendors.
“We became aware of the issue in early August and took necessary steps to ensure we do not have any parts in our fleet from AOG,” Southwest said in a statement. “Our suppliers conducted a review of Southwest parts and identified one engine that contained two low-pressure turbine blades from this vendor. In an abundance of caution, we made an immediate decision to promptly replace those parts on that single engine.”
AOG Technics is accused of selling CFM56 and CF6 parts with falsified airworthiness documents. In at least some cases, the parts were being passed off as new, but showed signs of wear. Without the proper paperwork, regardless of their condition, the parts are considered unusable. In a lawsuit filed Sept. 7, CFM International seeks a mandatory injunction that would force AOG Technics to provide documentation for its parts and transactions.
Records so far identified as being inauthentic were made to appear as if coming from GE, Safran, or CFM. None of the companies are affiliated with the broker.
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