Technical Assistance in the Aviation Sector: Services in Support of EASA International Cooperation Activities
NTU started providing services to the European Agency of Safety Aviation (EASA) in 2016 under the Framework Contract – Services in Support of EASA International Cooperation Activities, Lot 1 – Aviation related consultancy support to EASA international cooperation activities. Under this framework, NTU was responsible for providing a range of services covering several key areas. These services included offering technical expertise for the delivery of cooperation activities, such as regulatory exchanges and technical training. Additionally, NTU supported project management tasks, ensuring the smooth execution of various initiatives. Furthermore, NTU delivered logistical and event management services to facilitate the activities and overall implementation of various projects being carried out worldwide.
EASA plays an important role in international cooperation to improve global aviation safety and harmonise regulatory frameworks. It works closely with non-European countries, regional aviation organisations and global stakeholders to promote consistent safety and environmental standards worldwide. EASA concludes bilateral agreements and technical arrangements with partner countries to enable mutual recognition of certifications and streamline cross-border aviation operations. It also provides technical assistance, training and capacity building programmes to help regions with developing aviation systems to strengthen their safety oversight capabilities.
After successfully implementing 246 contracts over 4 years across Africa, the Middle East, IPA Region, Eastern Europe/Central Asia, South and South-East Asia, China and Latin America and the Caribbean, NTU was awarded a new 4-year contract, committing to continue providing high-quality services until 2024. In this tender, NTU was awarded LOT 1: Aviation related consultancy support to EASA international cooperation activities and LOT 2: Event management and logistics support.
From 2020 to 2024, NTU actively engaged in various technical aviation domains, resulting in the delivery of over 457 activities worldwide across the regions where EASA provides technical assistance. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, NTU seamlessly adapted its approach, shifting to online formats such as training sessions, workshops, and webinars. Demonstrating our continued professionalism and efficiency, NTU was awarded both lots again in 2024, for additional 4 years, until 2028.
Implementation
The activities carried out by NTU targeted different domains in the field of civil aviation, namely Aerodromes/Ground Handling, Air Operations (OPS), Air Traffic Management (ATM), Aircrew & Medical (PEL), Civil Drones, Cybersecurity, General Aviation, Environment, International Cooperation, Aircraft/Airworthiness (AIR), Safety Management, Aviation Legislation and Regulation, Rotorcraft.
More precisely, NTU undertakes the following activities:
- Assessment of countries/region’s civil aviation sector, such as the study of the interoperability and automation of ATM Systems.
- Development of Roadmaps and Action Plans and support in their implementation, such as development, implementation and update of State Safety Plans and Programmes as well as progress monitoring.
- Organisation and delivery of formal trainings and workshops, e.g., Regional workshop on “Airport Environmental Management System (EMS) in ASEAN”, workshop “CORSIA for National Accreditation Bodies and Verification Bodies: Accreditation and Verification Process”. Online training, such as Instructor Training Course through Synchronous Distance Learning – Virtual Classroom. And seminars, e.g., seminar on drone operations regulation and safety in Lima, Peru, including certification and operation of drones, surveillance and integration into the airspace, etc.
- Specific studies, such as a feasibility study for an effective enhanced regional mechanism for aviation safety oversight in South Asia; an environmental scoping study, etc.
- On-site support and On-the-job training: for instance, support to State Safety Programme (SSP) development and implementation to the Zambian Civil Aviation Authority and support to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) in resolving CAAT’s immediate safety issues and to support Thailand’s longer-term transition to EASA regulations.
- Experience exchange through study visits, for example, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) Experience Exchange – Europe Study Tour in Germany, Austria and the UK to support the development of (HEMS) in Thailand.
- Support the Development, Transposition and Implementation of Regulations, such as Air Operations and Aircrew regulations safety regulations.
- Event management through the organisation of high-profile conferences with participants from government, aviation authorities and industry and the promotion of EASA managed projects at international conferences or aviation exhibitions.
SDGs
