AviationGlass & Technology (AGT) - a Dutch
company specializing in the research, development and production of glass
products for the aviation industry - has 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. |