New EASA Regulation certifies AviationGlass products for Europe and the US
- No additional STC required for AeroGlass products
- EASA confirms AeroGlass as official certification baseline for glass parts inside the cabin
- European Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement with FAA delivers same certification for the US
AviationGlass & Technology (AGT) — a Dutch company specialized in the research, development and production of glass products for the aviation industry — today announced that its AeroGlass products have been confirmed by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as the official certification baseline for glass parts inside the cabin. EASA’s newly released amendment nineteen of its Certification Specifications for large aircraft (CS25), categorizes AeroGlass Mirrors and transparencies as minor modifications, removing the need for any additional certification or supplemental type certificate (STC) prior to installation.
EASA’s amended regulation used AGT’S certification strategy as the basis for a new AMC (Acceptable Means of Compliance), creating standard rules for on-board glass parts. This AMC enables airlines and aircraft owners to easily install AeroGlass, as an alternative to traditional polycarbonate products, by eliminating the need for additional time consuming and costly certification procedures.
Additionally, EASA’s long-standing European Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement with the FAA, outlining that basic modifications do not require additional FAA validation, means the same AMC and certification for the replacement of lavatory mirrors and transparent glass parts are applicable in the US.
ADSE, an independent Dutch aerospace engineering consulting services firm, specializing in the certification, specification, development and qualification of Aerospace products, represented AGT in the project with EASA.
Ron van Baaren, ADSE Managing Director, comments, “AviationGlass and Technology offers the world’s only certified ultra-thin and lightweight glass product for aircraft interiors, and has played a key role in this breakthrough, enabling the easy introduction of glass back into the cabin. During the project with EASA, AGT worked rigorously to ensure utmost safety at all times, while offering airlines and private jet owners the possibility to choose glass over plastic for striking design and exceptional luxury.”
John Rietveldt, AGT’s CEO, said, “This new regulation is a significant milestone for the industry’s transition to lightweight glass inside commercial and private aircraft as it removes long waiting times and the high costs previously associated with the certification of glass as an alternative to polycarbonate products. With immediate effect, airlines and private jet owners all over the world, can simply swap out their scratched and cloudy plastic products with crystal clear, beautifully colored and shaped AeroGlass creations to create a superior on-board experience.”
Up to 50% thinner and 25% lighter than traditional polycarbonate products, AeroGlass products are highly robust as well as scratch and UV-resistant. Cost of ownership and maintenance are significantly reduced due to the product’s high level of durability and resistance to scratching when cleaning and handling. AeroGlass Mirrors are available in any colour and when combined with integrated lighting features provide high quality branding and luxurious personalization opportunities.
