More than a year ago BAE Systems SDT set out on a journey to enhance its capability and propel the Company’s technical training to the forefront of the aviation industry within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and surrounding GCC markets. In May 2019, the Company gained a regulatory approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as a Part 147 Maintenance Training Organisation. BAE Systems SDT is the first Saudi registered company to gain an EASA Part 147 approval in the Kingdom, giving it a competitive edge to not only expand its footprint in the aviation industry, but also transfer the highest standard of knowledge to local capability, contributing to the Vision 2030.
EASA was established in 2002 by the European Union to standardise civil aviation safety requirements throughout Europe. However, many countries outside of Europe have adopted these standards and undergo a rigorous effort to meet the required standards necessary to gain EASA regulatory approval.
Operating under an EASA Part 147 approval is a step forward in expanding the Company’s training business within its current customer base, as well as potential clients within the market. It also ensures BAE Systems SDT graduates have the highest standard of training in the Aircraft Maintenance Technician field, and provides those graduates with an internationally transferrable certification. BAE Systems SDT’s history in delivering qualified, competent graduates to our existing military clients gives the Company the stability and experience to expand into the civil aviation market.
The opportunity to train Saudi Nationals through EASA regulatory standards makes BAE Systems SDT a major player in recognising the country’s Vision 2030. Technical training delivered by a Saudi Company to Saudi Nationals is a necessary step in transferring knowledge and empowering a local work force.
With 25 years of experience in the technical training industry, BAE Systems SDT is a trusted provider and boasts the experience of BAE Systems, which has worked within the aviation industry in Saudi Arabia since 1966. The addition of the EASA Part 147 approval continues our tradition and position of providing the latest and most sophisticated training in the aviation market.
BAE Systems SDT embraces the challenge and responsibility of continually providing the highest standard of training, which includes maintaining the EASA Part 147 approval. This opportunity is considered the next step in an onward journey to expand business opportunities as well as support growth into a new facility in Jeddah scheduled for 2020, providing a new capability into KSA in line with Vision 2030.