11 June 2013

EASA, FAA certification big boost for SAEI

A high-level team of inspectors from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recently visited Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries and completed auditing of all its systems and facilities including aircraft hangars, spare parts workshops, engine-overhaul facilities, engine testing systems, and spare parts warehouses. They also checked the qualifications of engineers who carry out various aircraft maintenance works, reviewed technical maintenance records, safety systems and measures taken while receiving and sending back aircraft following maintenance.

This was disclosed by Mr. Nadir Al-Khalawi, CEO of the company. He the EASA inspectors had conducted a thorough checking of SAEI systems and facilities this time. “EASA have been carrying out inspections for the last eight years but this time the inspection was conducted thoroughly and comprehensively to make sure all systems are intact,” he said. EASA inspectors visit SAEI twice a year in order to renew the aircraft maintenance license it had given to the Saudia company. “This certification enables Saudia to carry out maintenance of aircraft registered in Europe. “The EASA team has admired the progress achieved by the company and the expertise of its engineers,” Al-Khalawi said.

 

It is worth mentioning that a team from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in the United States recently visited SAEI in order to conduct its annual auditing on aircraft maintenance and renew the license it had given to the Saudia company for aircraft maintenance. The FAA certification allows SAEI to provide maintenance services to aircraft registered in the US.

 

These visits by experts from reputable international agencies and their good certificates reflect the remarkable progress achieved by SAEI over the past years. These certifications have also enhanced the confidence of airline companies in the company, which is manned mainly by young Saudi engineers who are capable of handling highly advanced aviation technology. It is worth mentioning that more than 90 percent of SAEI employees are Saudis.