Ryanair (FR/RYR) has confirmed it has found unauthorised parts in two engines during inspections of its Boeing 737s.
Unauthorised parts are those purchased through the supply chain but carry falsified certification documents.
The number of unauthorised parts found on aircraft is rapidly becoming a scandal with many major airlines finding them on routine maintenance, particular where things like engines have been sent to 3rd party MROs.
Ryanair says that parts were found in engines that had been sent to Brazil and Texas, USA for overhaul.
London-based AOG Technics, which is run by Venezuelan Jose Zamora Yrala, seems to be at the heart of the scandal and whilst Ryanair says it has never done business with AOG directly it believes it may have obtained parts from them inadvetantely via a 3rd party.
Several regulators and airlines have accused AOG of supplying parts with falsified documents for the CFM56 engine which powered the Boeing 737-800 which is the backbone of the Ryanair fleet and is also used on A320ceo family aircraft.
In the UK the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has warned airlines to always check the ARC (airworthiness release certificates) and contact the issuer to confirm the authenticity of the paoperwork.
A case is underway in the high court regarding the allegations and Jose Zamora Yrala is reportedly “cooperating” with authorities.
