The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Airbus Helicopters have just implemented a new single Production Organization Approval (POA). This replaces previous national approvals from France, Germany and Spain by a single, integrated framework allowing for simplified industrial exchanges between Airbus Helicopters’ manufacturing facilities and supporting the company’s industrial strategy of site specialization across Europe.
“The implementation of the single POA allows us to work as a truly integrated company, and ensures that our various sites are no longer considered as each other’s suppliers from a regulatory perspective,” said Christian Cornille, Airbus Helicopters executive vice president, Industry. “I would like to congratulate our teams and thank EASA for their support in achieving this milestone which will streamline certification processes associated to our manufacturing activities, create synergies and improve our competitiveness.”
“A Single POA is of great value for Airbus Helicopters as it ensures continuity of its production procedures across its various European production sites and according to Europe’s highest safety standards,” said Ralf Erckmann EASA’s deputy flight standards director. “It is also a proof that EASA and the European National Aviation Authorities work hand in hand for the benefit of the European aviation industry and its customers.”
Since June 2016, Airbus Helicopters is also operating under a single Design Organization Approval (DOA) from EASA which has simplified and harmonized development processes and facilitated the implementation of an increased transnational approach to certification, including through the establishment of a unified airworthiness office within Airbus Helicopters.
