The ad hoc alliance of commercial aerospace manufacturers and airlines have released their report recommending ways to help prevent unauthorized parts from entering the propulsion supply chain. The Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition was formed early this year in response to a 2023 case involving dozens of turbofan engines produced by CFM International were compromised by parts sourced to a U.K. distributor.
CFM International is a joint venture of GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, both of which are members of the Coalition. Other members include Airbus, American Airlines, Boeing, Delta Air Lines, StandardAero, and United Airlines.
According to GE Aerospace, the coalition’s recommendations “are performance-based and technology-agnostic, allowing companies in the aerospace industry flexibility in achieving the outcome”. The proposals include strengthening vendor accreditation, digitizing documentation, and improving part traceability, to be implemented over various timelines.
The Coalition has shared the report with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, along with law enforcement officials.
GE Aerospace reported it has started to implement the recommendation, specifically noting it has digitized records dating back to 2015, and now digitizes key paperwork when an engine visits a GE Aerospace shop. It plans to pilot digital signatures in the coming months.
The coalition has shared its report with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, along with law enforcement officials.
“These recommendations will close holes and add new layers of safety to strengthen the integrity of the supply chain. We know what needs to happen; it’s time to get to work,” according to Coalition co-chairman Robert L. Sumwalt, former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board.
