London: The UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) raided an address and arrested a person on Wednesday as part of an investigation into an aircraft parts supplier to several major airlines.
Investigators are looking into UK-based AOG Technics Ltd, which since 2015 has supplied parts for the world’s best-selling passenger jet engine (CFM56) and most-used freighter engine (CF6).
The parts, which investigators believe may not have been certified, were mostly sold to overseas companies that install airline parts, as well as to UK airlines, maintenance providers and parts suppliers, the SFO said in a statement.
Aviation authorities in the UK, Europe and the United States have issued warnings to companies that may have bought or installed the AOG parts, resulting in some aircraft being grounded.
“This investigation involves very serious allegations of fraud in the supply of aircraft parts, with potentially far-reaching consequences,” said Nick Ephgrave, director of the SFO.
“The SFO is best placed to take this investigation forward with vigour and we are determined to establish the facts as quickly as possible,” he added.
CFM56 engines power the previous generation of Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft.
Airlines affected include Ryanair, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Virgin Australia Airlines.
