International Focus on Aircraft Parts Counterfeiting

The Fourth Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy took place in the United Arab Emirates in February. 500 decision makers from 70 countries attended in an effort to identify solutions to the escalating global problem of product counterfeiting (of aircraft parts) and intellectual property piracy.

Michel Danet, President of the Fourth Global Congress, said: “Nothing has changed; counterfeiting and piracy continues to grow at an alarming rate and these fake products, which often prove fatal to consumers, are now being produced on an industrial scale.” Mr. Danet added: “We have to invent our own future; it’s time to take action and the time is now.” The group identified aircraft parts as a target of counterfeiters.

In the United States, counterfeit aircraft parts are often identified as a consequence of supply chain quality assurance programs that have been developed in the last two decades. FAA programs like distributor accreditation and SUPs training have been quite successful. Nonetheless, mechanics should continue to remain vigilant in their approach to aircraft parts in order to help keep the aviation industry clear of counterfeit parts.