France | December 12, 2016– Latécoère Group has announced that the scope of its Design Organisation Approval (DOA) issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has now been extended to match its own broader scope of activities.

The extension applies to minor changes, major changes (Supplemental Type Certificate or STC) and repairs for large aircrafts, and now covers electrical systems, avionics systems, structures, doors and hydro-mechanical systems.

This DOA accreditation is official recognition of the Group’s technical expertise and know-how in the integration of onboard systems, and means Latécoère is now able to include these systems (Cockpit Door Surveillance Systems, Landscape Camera System, etc.) in a global offer for its clients.

It has already enabled Latécoère to win three calls for tender for companies including Pegasus, and talks are also underway on around twenty other projects.

By giving Latécoère more autonomy to directly position itself with respect to operators, the DOA approval is a formidable strategic advantage for growth on markets with a higher value-added.

United Kingdom | October 20, 2016– Leading cabin lighting company STG Aerospace is delighted to announce that EASA has approved its latest photoluminescent floorpath marking system, saf-Tglo® blu, for the following aircraft in the current Airbus fleet – the A300, A310, A320, A330 and A340.

This is the first time that an emergency egress system using blue photoluminescence has been approved for use in any aircraft application. saf-Tglo® blu provides a unique colour glow for operators of aircraft in the Airbus family and cabin designers alike preparing to modify or upgrade Airbus aircraft interiors.

Engineered from the proven technology of the original and market-leading saf-Tglo® photoluminescent range, the unique and patented design of saf-Tglo® blu emits a blue glow, a noticeable change from the traditional green glow that has always been associated with the product, and enables airlines to subtly transform cabin aesthetics via simple illumination without compromising passenger safety.

In daylight, the body colour of saf-Tglo® blu is whiter than the glow produced by traditional photoluminescent systems meaning that when it is used with any translucent film or overlay, the result is a truer, brighter, cleaner colour. In darkness, the glow has a calmer, softer, more reassuring quality whilst still performing the critical safety function the system provides.

saf-Tglo® blu is an obvious choice for operators of Airbus aircraft looking to improve their interiors appeal, the unique transformation afforded by the simplistic modification of a saf-Tglo® blu installation has the distinct ability to transform any aircraft, blending seamlessly with the latest mood lighting systems. Whilst obviously a significant visual upgrade, the origins of the design are actually based in science, and specifically the results of a human perception analysis which show that the blue wavelengths of emitted light enable enhanced passenger perception of the emergency track with a dark adapted human eye.

saf-Tglo® is the world’s lightest, narrowest and most discreet floor path marking system and the first non-electrical system that can reduce maintenance and operational costs. Installed on over 10,000 aircraft worldwide and selected by virtually every major aircraft manufacturer it is the photoluminescent floor path marking system of choice for aircraft manufacturers, airlines and cabin designers.

The EASA approval process was executed using STG Aerospace’s own in-house Design Organisation Approval (DOA) procedures and, using its extensive in-service performance data, the company has been able to reduce the maintenance burden for airlines by minimising the requirement for inspections. As with other versions of saf-Tglo®, saf-Tglo® blu can be very easily installed – typically by an airline’s own technical staff during an overnight shift.

Sean O’Kell, Director of Innovation for STG Aerospace, commented: “Securing EASA approval for saf-Tglo® blu across the Airbus fleet obviously opens up exciting new marketing opportunities for us and we’re already in advanced negotiations with key launch customers. As a product, it symbolises our commitment to the continual evolution of the saf-Tglo® range – always enhancing the aesthetics without in any way compromising on safety.”

• Offers customers a “Total Aircraft Modification Solution” for both FAA and EASA certification!

Shanghai, China | February 2016– Global Aerospace Design Corp. (Global) is pleased to announce a partnership with Shanghai HaoTong Aviation Engineering Co., Ltd. (SHAE). Global recently signed an agreement with SHAE to form the very first European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Design Organization in China. As part of this agreement Global will be providing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification services to SHAE in support of projects that do not fall under their EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).

“We are very honored to become the first third party EASA Part21 DOA holder in China”, explained Mr. Liang (Bill) Bai, Vice President of Quality at SHAE. “This is a major step in the development of Shanghai HaoTong’s business scope to provide our global customers with unparalleled cost effective and high quality aftermarket services.”

This partnership will provide customers with a total aircraft modification solution for both FAA and EASA certification along with the modification capabilities available at multiple facilities throughout China.

“This latest accomplishment by Shanghai HaoTong and Global underscores our commitment to widening and deepening our capabilities in China, the world’s second-largest and fastest growing aviation market.” said Mr. Sheming (Bob) Zhu, President/CEO of SHAE. “It is indeed a very successful milestone which forms part of a long term partnership with Global.”

“Global is excited about where this partnership with SHAE will take our company,” said Roger Witkemper, Vice President of Operations at Global. “Both organizations employ complementary resources which will increase our reach throughout the industry.”

Combining the SHAE and Global organizations grows and enhances the services provided throughout the world. From aircraft leasing to complete cabin interior upgrades, both SHAE and Global can now offer customers a high quality solution to their operational needs.