Italian prosecutors have charged seven individuals and two subcontractors with fraud and violating airplane safety regulations after uncovering suspected defects in parts produced for Boeing.
The investigation, which began in late 2021, was prompted by Boeing’s discovery that certain components for its 787 Dreamliner were improperly manufactured by a company affiliated with Italy's aerospace giant Leonardo.
Prosecutors revealed that the two Italian subcontractors used inferior titanium and aluminum materials to produce specific parts, significantly reducing raw material costs. This cost-cutting measure resulted in components with lower static and stress resistance, posing potential risks to aviation safety.
Authorities in Brindisi identified Manufacturing Process Specification (MPS) and its predecessor, the now-bankrupt Processi Speciali, as the primary firms involved. Antonio Ingrosso, owner of MPS, and his father Vincenzo, who led Processi Speciali, are among the seven individuals facing charges.
Despite the allegations, Ingrosso and Vincenzo maintain their innocence, asserting that they fully adhered to legal standards.
The accused parties will have the opportunity to present new evidence in their defense before prosecutors decide whether to proceed to trial. Aerospace experts collaborating with the investigation confirmed the existence of at least 4,829 non-compliant titanium components and 1,158 aluminum parts.
Prosecutors emphasized that these defective structural components could jeopardize aircraft safety, necessitating an extraordinary maintenance campaign by Boeing for the affected planes. Both Boeing and Leonardo have been identified as victims in this case and have cooperated with the ongoing investigation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
