SINGAPORE—Airbus has received design approval from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), paving the way for expanded maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities in the country.
The Part 21.J Civil Design Organization approval allows Airbus’ local team in Brisbane to independently conduct and approve design activities, structural modifications, repair designs and technical data. The scope covers general aviation aircraft, large passenger transport aircraft and helicopters, including structures, mechanical systems, electrical systems, instruments, radio systems and cabin systems.
“The 21.J approval enables the Airbus team in Australia to approve its own aircraft repair and modification designs and appoint authorized persons within the scope of their organizational privileges. CASA will conduct oversight of Australian Airbus operations consistent with our established procedures,” said Richard Stocker, CASA’s national manager for airworthiness and engineering.
The approval comes as Airbus’ fleet in Australasia is set to grow, including through Qantas’ expansion with A220 regional airliners and A350-1000s under its Project Sunrise initiative.
Aviation Week Fleet Discovery data shows that 288 Airbus aircraft are in service in Australia; another 153 are on order, with options for 138 more.
On the same day, Airbus also released its aircraft services forecast, which projects that maintenance, repair and overhaul demand in Asia-Pacific will reach $70 billion by 2045, nearly doubling from $31 billion today.
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