Two Italian aerospace companies and seven people are being investigated for allegedly supplying non-compliant aeronautical components to Leonardo SpA for the production of some sections of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The two firms, based in Brindisi in southern Italy, allegedly used pure titanium to manufacture structural components of the aircraft, instead of titanium alloys, and also utilised sub-standard aluminium alloys, according to the report. The companies weren’t identified.
The practice resulted in significantly lower static and stress resistance, impacting transport safety.
Leonardo, an aerospace and defence manufacturer whose customers include Boeing Co and Airbus SE, declined to comment. Prosecutors and police in Brindisi didn’t respond for comment.
