Delta Air Lines (DL, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson) has become the latest carrier to confirm some of its aircraft engines had contained unapproved parts obtained from a rogue supplier. Delta said the problem affected less than 1% of its aircraft, and these aircraft immediately went out of service to have the parts replaced.
Engine parts for CFM International manufactured engines, including the popular CFM56, supplied by a UK-based entity called AOG Technics which acted as a components middleman, have been found to be supported by fraudulent documentation. The joint venture partners behind CFM, General Electric, and Safran have since commenced legal action against AOG in the UK courts. The AOG-supplied parts have been found on 126 aircraft so far, including some at American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
Delta declined to disclose what specific parts were affected and precisely how many aircraft it pulled from service. According to ch-aviation PRO airlines data, Delta operates 967 aircraft. However, the particular types of CFM engine impacted are fitted to B737 NG and older A320 Family jets.
"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," reads the airline's statement on the matter. "Working with the overhaul provider, we are in the process of replacing those parts and remain in compliance with all FAA guidelines."
Delta added that the affected aircraft were grounded as soon as the suspect parts were identified and there was no impact on day-to-day flight operations.
