This “single” certificate replaces the previously existing national Production Organisation Approvals issued by the French, German, Spanish and UK National Aviation Authorities (NAAs). While the Agency is responsible for the certification of production organisations located outside the European Union, it can, as in this case, approve European organisations on request of EASA Member States.
“Issuing a Single Production Organisation Approval certificate to Airbus is of great value for the manufacturer. It is the proof that EASA and the National Aviation Authorities work hand in hand and support each other,” said Patrick Goudou, EASA’s Executive Director.
The EASA POA confirms an organisation’s ability to manufacture aviation products according to European safety standards. It also verifies that a global quality framework for the management, responsibilities, procedures and resources has been established.
The certification is the result of a lengthy process which involved a comprehensive assessment of the organisation by a mixed team of EASA staff and experts from France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. Also in future, EASA and the four NAAs will work closely together. Regular inspections will be carried out with Agency and NAA experts in order to provide continuity for Airbus and its customers.
As a result of this process EASA acts as executive agent for the oversight of Airbus aircraft. It will in future also issue Export Certificates of Airworthiness for new Airbus aircraft delivered outside the EASA Member States.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) was set up by the EU in 2003 to promote the highest common standards of safety and environmental protection in civil aviation. Based in Cologne, the Agency currently employs some 400 experts and administrators from all over Europe.
