The Spanish airline is certified to make develop modifications in passenger cabins of large aircraft for itself and other airlines. The approval underlines the role of Iberia’s Maintenance and Engineering division and its specialisation in design activities
Iberia has been formally certified as a Design Organisation from the European Air Safety Agency, which will allow the company to modify interior design and develop other major alterations to aircraft operated by Iberia and other carriers.
The decision represents a great opportunity for the airline’s Maintenance and Engineering division to meet the demand of third-party carriers that lack such certification.
The scope of the certification extends to the design of cabin interiors, cargo bays, and emergency equipment. It also allows Iberia to engage in high value-added engineering projects to alter passenger entertainment systems and electrical, avionics, hydraulic and environmental systems.
In conformity with the terms of this certification, Iberia Maintenance has established an Air Navigability and Certification Office to supervise the application of regulations governing design modifications. Separate teams of engineers will verify compliance with these rules and approve each project.
Iberia Maintenance conducts maintenance and repairs of airframes, engines and components for Iberia and more than 100 external clients around the world. In 2005 it inspected 957 aircraft, 140 engines, 42 auxiliary power units (APUs), and 46,856 components. This division is working to double its income from outside clients by the end of 2008, thanks to its ordinary business and its specialisation in high value-added segments.
[GADS_NEWS]Today, Iberia is Spain’s leading airline and also leader on routes linking Europe with Latin America. It posted 2005 sales of more than 5,6 billion euros, and net earnings of 396 million euros. It is also distinguished by its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible conduct. Along with its franchise partner Iberia Regional, Iberia operates some 1,000 flights each day to about 100 different destinations. Last year Iberia carried a total of 32.4 million passengers. It is a charter member of the oneworld airline alliance, along with Aer Lingus, AmericanAirlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, LAN Chile, and Qantas.