Focus

PRI-Nadcap: passport for quality

June 3, 2010

Within the framework of its continuous improvement initiative, Aircelle has selected the PRI-Nadcap international reference program to certify quality of its special processes. Initiated in 2006, the accreditation of all company processes already has become a symbol of Aircelle’s pole position in the aeronautics industry.

PRI-Nadcap: a two-word acronym less difficult to pronounce than to obtain. These nine letters make all the difference on the global market. There are those – the best customers and supply sources of the world of aeronautics – which have it, and those who don’t.

This American accreditation is awarded by the Performance Review Institute, an independent audit organization. According the Nadcap (initially National Aerospace & Defense Contractors Accreditation Program), the international reference standard is so coveted in the industry – and rightfully so – that gaining it is enough to make competitors break out in a cold sweat.

The reason is simple: by certifying the production system of its holder, and special processes in particular (such as composites), PRI-Nadcap serves as a selection criterion for many customers – Aircelle’s airframe manufacturer customers first and foremost. That explains why for Aircelle, certification is much more than a simple technical formality.

Accreditation across the line

For these various reasons, the accreditation process initiated at Aircelle in 2006 has been gradually applied to all special processes. During 2010, the in-house initiative will be completed under supervision of the Aircelle Engineering Quality Management team.

At the same time, all involved supply sources will join the accreditation process, so that in time the entire production chain will comply with this international reference standard.

Although the accreditation initiative requires a great deal of effort (the certificate is issued for one year, and involves highly demanding in-house project management and process adaptation), it also is a source of opportunity for Aircelle. Not only does the independent certification of Aircelle represent optimized quality – which has an impact on controlling costs – it also can be used as a marketing tool on a highly competitive global market.

Only by being awarded an accreditation unequalled anywhere in the world can Aircelle truly satisfy its ambitions as a universal supply source.