Aviation and Tourism Editor

Denel Aviation is to assist its suppliers obtain international accreditation which will allow them to compete independently in the global aviation industry.

The initiative is part of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) which aims to bolster the competitiveness of SA’s growing aviation sector and develop the skills needed to support the industry.

The development of the industry also fits the department’s plan to grow high-value industry sectors in support of the Accelerated Shared Growth Initiative for SA strategy.

Denel Aviation has identified 10 companies spanning the full range of aviation manufacturers, from avionics to mechanical components, to take part in this accreditation initiative.

Shalan Chetty, executive manager of quality at Denel Aviation, said earlier this week that the process would take place in two stages over 18 months, with the companies first attaining the ISO9001 2008 industrial standard followed by an AS/EN9100 accreditation, which is an aviation-specific certification.

“Five of the companies have already been contacted, with only one not interested in participating. The rest will be contacted shortly,” he said.

Chetty said the accreditation would allow companies to stand alone in winning contracts abroad. “Take the example of Volatus Interiors, which provided leather seating for the motor industry and is now competing in the international aviation market,” said Chetty.

Ismail Dockrat, CEO of Denel Aviation, said developing SA’s aerospace industry had always been a priority for both the Department of Trade and Industry and Denel Aviation.

“In enabling suppliers to become accredited, we will ensure South African service providers obtain greater international recognition and subsequently enjoy significant benefits in terms of company growth, skills development and job creation. This will, in turn, result in positive spin-offs for the rest of the industry.”

Dockrat points to the success of the Brazilian aviation industry. “While SA was working on the Rooivalk helicopter, Brazil’s Embraer was developing a regional jet. They developed a killer product which propelled the entire industry to a new level in the early 1990s.” SA could learn a lot from Brazil and would seek partnerships where appropriate.

The AISI is involved in several initiatives in the aviation sector including skills development ­ particularly technicians ­ as well as the Centurion Aviation Village, which will cluster suppliers around larger companies like Aerosud and Denel Aviation.

baumannj@bdfm.co.za
 

With acknowledgements to Julius Baumann and Business Day.