In the highly regulated and safety-critical aviation industry, obtaining the necessary certification for maintenance, repair and refurbishment of aircraft interiors is mandatory for all projects to be signed off. The aircraft interior refurbishment industry must adhere to stringent regulatory frameworks governed by the UK CAA (Civil Aviation Authority), US FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), and other NAAs (National Aviation Authorities).
Whilst some providers of aircraft interior services may rely on external agencies to navigate regulatory requirements, Starling Aerospace holds CAA/EASA Part145, Part21G and Part21J approvals for the design, development, manufacture, testing and certification of interior modifications for 9G and 16G rated aircraft.
Holding these approvals in-house provides significant advantages for both Starling Aerospace and its customers and this blog examines the specific benefits.
Positive cost management
Outsourcing regulatory approvals can be expensive due to consultancy fees, certification processing charges, not to mention potential penalties for non-compliance. By bringing regulatory expertise in-house like Starling Aerospace has done, aircraft refurbishment companies have more control over the project budget. Additionally, in-house certification will generally mean fewer delays, which means reduced downtime for the customer aircraft, benefiting customers financially.
Increased efficiency and faster completion
One of the most significant advantages of holding in-house regulatory approvals is the reduction in project lead times. When companies handle their own certification processes, they eliminate delays associated with outsourcing approvals to third-party agencies. This streamlined approach ensures that regulatory compliance keeps pace with project timelines, allowing for smoother workflow and faster aircraft turnaround.
Enhanced quality control
Having in-house oversight ensures that compliance is embedded into every stage of the aircraft refurbishment process. Design engineers, fabricators and quality managers work closely to ensure that the desired project parameters meet the necessary regulatory standards from the outset. This proactive approach minimises the risk of rework, non-compliance issues and the need for costly adjustments.
Flexibility and continuous improvement
By having the certification capability in-house, aircraft refurbishment companies like Starling Aerospace are able to adapt quickly to customer requirements, as well as any updates to industry standards. They can respond immediately to design changes or new safety mandates, without the need to co-ordinate with external agencies. This agility is particularly beneficial for complex custom refurbishment projects where specifications may shift.
Having regulatory approvals in-house also fosters an environment of continuous innovation and improvement. Companies can quickly adapt to market conditions by implementing changes more rapidly than those relying on external approvals. This agility is particularly valuable in the evolving landscape of aviation safety and compliance.
Customer reassurance
Being able to demonstrate in-house regulatory approval capabilities enhances Starling’s credibility and reassures its clients that projects will meet all necessary aviation authority standards. This added trust is a key differentiator in a competitive market and it helps to foster long-term customer relationships and repeat business.
Take a look at one of our customer case studies HERE
Overall, there are many advantages of having in-house regulatory approvals and Starling Aerospace is at the forefront of innovation and quality for aircraft interior refurbishment projects, whether it’s a private jet, helicopter or commercial passenger airliner. In an industry where safety, speed and precision are paramount, the ability to self-manage regulatory approvals is a game-changer. Please contact us to discuss your aircraft cabin upgrade project.
