WestJet and Delta are the latest airlines to confirm that they have detected parts from British supplier AOG Technics that did not meet “documentation requirements”.
According to Fortune, on Monday, October 2, 2023, Delta confirmed that there were concerns around only a “small number” of engines, accounting for less than 1% of the 2,100+ power plants on its mainline fleet.
The airline said that the parts were discovered by an unnamed third party carrying out work on its engines.
“Delta has been informed by one of our engine service providers that a small number of engines they overhauled for us contain certain parts that do not meet documentation requirements,” the airline said in a statement. “Working with the overhaul provider, we are in the process of replacing those parts and remain in compliance with all FAA guidelines.”
On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, Bloomberg said Delta had confirmed suspect parts were discovered on only one engine of the planes flown.
The Canadian airline WestJet also confirmed on October 3, 2023, that one of its planes was affected by “undocumented” parts.
The carrier told Global News that it received a notice from a service provider claiming that one of its aircraft was of concern.
WestJet said the aircraft was grounded and the “the affected engine” was replaced. Transport Canada was also informed.
“Additionally, a thorough review was performed across WestJet’s entire fleet, which confirmed that no other aircraft were affected,” WestJet said in a statement.
WestJet and Delta join American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, TAP and Virgin Australia Airlines on the list of carriers who have been caught up in the AOG Technics scandal.
It is understood that AOG supplied parts for CFM56 engines, used in older-generation Airbus SE A320 and Boeing 737 planes.
Manufactured by CFM International, a joint venture of General Electric and Safran SA, the CFM56 is the world’s best-selling aircraft engine.
At the High Court in London on September 20, 2023, CFM International successfully argued for AOG Technics to release documents showing sales of any CFM56 and CF6 parts.
On September 21, 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an Unapproved Parts Notification (UPN) over a bushing part supplied by AOG Technics without FAA production approval.
The FAA said in the notification that associated documents of the parts were “falsified”.
“If these bushings are installed or found in existing aircraft parts inventories, the FAA recommends that they be removed and quarantined to prevent installation until a determination can be made regarding their eligibility for installation,” the FAA said in the notification.
On September 22, 2023, Safran chief executive officer Olivier Andries stated that around 100 engines have been identified as containing concerning parts.