First airline MRO under EASA to design, certify and fly 3D printed parts

The 3D-printed IFE cover plate will be installed in economy seats on several aircraft of a Middle Eastern airline

Etihad Airways Engineering has received an approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to design and certify 3D printed parts for aircraft interiors, becoming the first airline MRO under EASA to hold certification approvals for 3D printed parts flying on Etihad Airways aircraft. With this approval Etihad Airways Engineering joins the world’s leading aircraft OEMs in designing and certifying 3D printed parts.

Jeff Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways Engineering, said: “We believe in offering innovative and industry leading aircraft maintenance and engineering solutions to our customers around the world.” 

Etihad Airways Engineering used its expertise and major Design Organisation Approval - Part 21J to design and certify the first 3D printed parts for aircraft cabins in the UAE. As part of this project, extensive testing is performed for material qualification including environmental, strength, and flammability testing at the newly opened Etihad Airways Engineering Flammability Lab. 

“It is part of Abu Dhabi’s vision to be a global aerospace hub and we support this by being a centre of excellence not just in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), but also in design, engineering and innovation,” Mr Wilkinson added.