Two companies based in Brindisi, Italy, are being investigated for allegedly supplying non-compliant components to Leonardo for the production of certain parts of the 787 Dreamliner, according to a report from Italian news agency Ansa.
The report said seven individuals are also being investigated. It did not name the two companies.
It should be noted that the information on the non-compliant parts dates back to 2021, with Boeing identifying the issue and replacing the parts before delivering any affected aircraft.
The components were allegedly created using pure titanium rather than titanium alloy. In addition, the aluminium alloys used were reportedly different from the standard.
The noncompliant parts had reportedly impacted the safety quality with "significantly lower static and stress resistance characteristics", the prosecutor's office said in the article.
According to Leonardo's website, it develops and manufactures around a 14% share of 787's airframe. This includes, the horizontal stabiliser, both central fuselage sections, frames, shear-ties, and metal allow machined parts.
Boeing declined to comment. Leonardo has not yet responded to request for comment.