Aerospace Engineering Solutions (AES) was recently featured in Aviation Week’s  ‘Inside MRO‘ magazine, where we shared insights into our EASA Part 21J capabilities, recent project highlights, and exciting developments in our design organisation approvals.

What types of Part 21 services does your company provide, and from which locations?

Aerospace Engineering Solutions (AES) is a certified EASA Part 21J Design Organisation (EASA.21J.722) and GCAA Part 21 Design Organisation (DOA/181). The company delivers projects ranging from minor engineering changes to complete aircraft retrofits for commercial and private jets, leasing companies, and MROs worldwide. Part 21 services cover cabin interiors, exterior liveries, structural modifications, and repairs, as well as avionics and electrical modifications for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

We operate from three offices – Málaga (Spain), Shannon (Ireland), and Braintree (UK) and provide services globally, with particular focus on the EU and UAE regions.

What are some examples of recent Part 21 projects your company has completed, and for which types of customers?

Recent projects have primarily been completed for airlines and aircraft lessors, including:

• Complete cabin retrofits for entry into service (EIS) on both widebody and single-aisle aircraft.
• In-flight entertainment (IFE) installations.
• Galley installations, including full structural and electrical provisions.
• Cabin power upgrades (ISPSS 110V and USB).
• Cabin repairs and technical markings replacement.
• SATCOM installations and removals.
• Antenna installations and exterior liveries.

What would Aviation Week readers be interested to hear about your Part 21 operations?

With over 20 years of experience, AES has supported operators and lessors on a wide variety of projects, always prioritising customer needs and challenges. As an EASA Part 21J Design Organisation, we not only provide engineering modifications but also ensure access to the required parts by partnering closely with trusted Part 21G manufacturing companies that have worked alongside us for many years. Our goal is to deliver seamless, efficient projects by proactively resolving potential challenges, ensuring our customers experience minimal disruption and maximum confidence in every project we deliver.

Is there any recent or upcoming news related to your Part 21 services that would be worth including in the article?

In the past 12 months, AES has secured four Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for widebody and single-aisle cabin reconfigurations, including an all-Business Class lie-flat seat arrangement for beOnd. Read more about our STC for beOnd’s Airbus A321 here.

We have also received STC approval for complex galley inserts supporting both commercial and VIP interiors, as well as for SATCOM and associated system installations on widebody aircraft.

Looking ahead, AES is progressing toward approval to exercise its own STC LOPA privileges, which will further enhance the efficiency and flexibility of our Part 21 services.

To read the full article, please click on the link below:
https://aviationweek.com/mro/services-support/part-21-providers-upgrade-design-production-portfolios

Attracting over 11,000 attendees, MRO Europe is the largest aviation aftermarket event in the region — a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders and colleagues.

Aerospace Engineering Solutions will proudly exhibit on Stand 3301 at MRO Europe, October 15–16, 2025, London ExCeL, UK.

This key event allows us to showcase our latest advancements in aerospace engineering, including our full suite of EASA Part 21J Design Organisation Approval (DOA) services.

Our team of experts will be available to share insights, answer your questions, and discuss how our tailored design and airworthiness solutions can meet your operational needs.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your business, please get in touch using the form below.

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Aerospace Engineering Solutions (AES) recently completed a comprehensive compliance and upgrade project for SolitAir, a B2B, airport-to-airport, middle-mile express cargo airline operating a fleet of Boeing 737-800 freighters.

The scope of work included a series of key modifications:

  • Dual-language placards (interior and exterior)
  • Replacement of owner plates
  • Updated emergency equipment configurations
  • Temporary (A6) registration marking installations
  • Avionics updates including SELCAL codes, Mode S transponder changes, and revised placards

All modifications were carried out in accordance with GCAA regulatory standards. AES provided full engineering certification and supplied all approved parts required for the project.

We’re proud to have achieved certification within two weeks of the Certificate of Registration (CofR), a testament to the efficiency, responsiveness, and seamless collaboration between our engineering team and industry partners.

Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you to SolitAir for placing their trust in AES.

About SolitAir

SolitAir is a B2B, airport-airport cargo airline that specialises in transporting a wide range of goods, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, high-value items, and general freight, within a 6-hour flight radius of Dubai. The airline currently serves vital trade corridors across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, East Africa, South Asia, and parts of Central Asia.

SolitAir Boeing 737-800 Freighter SolitAir Boeing 737-800 Freighter SolitAir Boeing 737-800 Freighter

As the aviation industry evolves, airlines and lessors face increasing pressure to optimise cabin layouts, enhance passenger experience, and maximise revenue potential. Aerospace Engineering Solutions (AES), a globally recognised EASA Part 21J Design Organisation, stands at the forefront of this transformation, delivering numerous EASA-approved Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for narrow-body cabin reconfigurations, including the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 Family.

With most modified aircraft already in service, AES has become a trusted partner to operators worldwide, offering certified excellence, meticulous attention to detail, and proven delivery across cabin reconfigurations.

Comprehensive reconfiguration capabilities

Our UK and Spain team supports airlines and lessors through every stage of the reconfiguration process. Our services include:

  • LOPA – Seating reconfigurations: From single-class to multi-class seating arrangements, we optimise layouts to maximise space, comfort, and revenue potential.
  • Monument changes: Our expertise covers galley replacements, overhead stowage compartments (OHSC), window blanking, and lavatory replacements, enhancing functionality and aesthetics in every cabin.
  • Interior aesthetics upgrades: We provide seat cover, carpet, and escape path lighting (EPL) changes to elevate cabin appearance and improve passenger ambience.
  • Emergency equipment relocation: Ensuring safety equipment positioning for compliance and ease of access.
  • PSU rearrangement: We offer modifications to passenger service units (PSUs) for better alignment with reconfigured layouts.
  • Dual language placard installation: Essential for regulatory compliance and ensuring a cohesive cabin design.

Why choose AES for your narrow-body cabin reconfigurations?

As an approved EASA Part 21J Design Organisation, our team operates under strict regulatory oversight, meeting all airworthiness and safety requirements throughout the design and modification process.

By leveraging our approved STCs, we help minimise downtime and risk, getting aircraft back into service quickly and with full regulatory assurance. Whether you’re modernising your fleet or entering new markets, contact our team at info@aesglobal.co.uk to learn how we can support your next cabin reconfiguration project.

Narrow-body cabin reconfigurations

Boeing 737 189Y LOPA

Minimise aircraft downtime with AES’s expert interior repair solutions

In the fast-paced aerospace industry, keeping aircraft interiors in peak condition is essential. However, standard Component Maintenance Manuals (CMMs) and Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMMs) often lack repair solutions tailored to specific damage scenarios. When repairs fall outside the scope of OEM documentation, operators face costly delays and extended aircraft downtime.

Your full Part 21J engineering partner

Aerospace Engineering Solutions (AES) provides a complete Part 21J-approved engineering package to support complex interior repair challenges. Our expertise ensures operators receive fast, cost-effective, and fully compliant repair solutions that restore aircraft interiors to serviceable condition with minimal disruption. If a repair is beyond the limits of the AMM or CMM, AES can deliver a bespoke Part 21J modification approval to keep your aircraft flying.

Comprehensive services AES specialises in repairing a broad range of interior components, addressing issues such as delamination, punctures, corrosion, cracking, and water egress. Our services include:

  • Galley & Lavatory Repairs: Workdecks, latch fittings, bonded blocks, composite panels, delamination, puncture damage, corrosion, and water ingress issues.
  • Interior Component Repairs: Ceiling panels, overhead stowage compartments, and sidewall panels.
  • Passenger Seat Repairs: Cracks in metallic parts, loose components, and trim & finish replacement.
  • Product Improvement & Damage Prevention: Protective panels, enhanced trim & finish for increased durability.
  • Design & Manufacture of Unavailable Repair Parts: When replacement parts are no longer available, AES can design and manufacture solutions to extend the life of your interior components.

With AES’s fully approved Part 21J repair and modification solutions, operators can maintain high cabin standards while ensuring compliance and minimising downtime. Trust AES to provide innovative, efficient, and cost-effective interior repair solutions tailored to your fleet’s needs.

Please join us at the global marketplace for the world’s cabin interiors and inflight entertainment industry. Aircraft Interiors Expo is the professional platform where airlines, designers, engineers, specifiers, and manufacturers come together to share, collaborate, and find practical and innovative solutions.

We will be exhibiting from 8–10 April 2025, where our industry-leading technical experts will be on hand to discuss all your certified aerospace design and engineering requirements. Explore our comprehensive Part 21J DOA (Design Organisation Approval) services and wide range of aerospace products. Come and visit us at booth 7B72.

Book a meeting with AES

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Fleet standardisation is the cornerstone of operational efficiency, ensuring seamless crew operations and delivering an outstanding passenger experience. At Aerospace Engineering Solutions (AES), we specialise in EASA Part 21J-approved modifications for galley insert removal, installation, and replacement, enabling airlines to adapt easily to evolving passenger preferences and operational requirements.

With extensive experience modifying aircraft types such as the Airbus A320, A330, and Boeing 737, AES has supported numerous projects that prioritise safety, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction. Our Part 21J Design Organisation Approval (DOA) empowers us to deliver bespoke engineering solutions tailored to each airline’s unique needs.

Galley inserts, including refrigerators, ovens, and coffee makers, are crucial for delivering in-flight services. However, as passenger demands and operational priorities evolve, airlines must evaluate their galley layouts to ensure maximum efficiency and compliance with certification requirements. Optimising galley inserts offers numerous benefits:

  • Standardise cabin layouts for improved crew efficiency: Uniform galley configurations simplify crew operations, reducing training requirements and improving service consistency across the fleet.
  • Reduce weight by removing underutilised inserts: Eliminating rarely used equipment can significantly reduce an aircraft’s weight, contributing to fuel savings and lower operational costs.
  • Upgrade to lighter, more efficient equipment: Replacing outdated inserts with modern, lightweight alternatives enhances energy efficiency and reduces wear and tear.
  • Align with evolving passenger demands: Adapting to changing customer preferences, such as increased demand for speciality beverages or premium food options, ensures a better passenger experience.

Key considerations for galley modifications 

When updating or adding new galley inserts, the DOA must carefully evaluate several factors to ensure compliance with EASA certification requirements:

  • Connections: Verify that electrical and plumbing systems are compatible with the new equipment.
  • Weight: Assess how the changes impact the aircraft’s weight and balance.
  • Flammability: Ensure materials meet stringent safety standards.

AES’s expert team addresses these aspects meticulously, providing comprehensive support from initial assessment to final approval. Highlighting the value of galley insert optimisation, Lola Lahoz, Design Office Manager – Spain, said:

“By replacing galley inserts, we allow airlines to achieve standardisation and accommodate galley insert types that customers ask for most during flights. In doing so, we reduce weight by removing underutilised inserts and replacing others with lighter options.”

Partner with AES for expert-led modifications

At AES, we deliver fast, safe, and innovative solutions that enhance aircraft interiors. With our EASA Part 21J DOA, we ensure high-quality modifications, competitive delivery times, and seamless customer support. Contact us today at info@aesglobal.co.uk.

 

MRO Middle East & Aircraft Interiors Middle East is the largest event of its kind in the region and a unique opportunity to meet the entire industry under one roof. The next edition will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on February 10-11, 2025.

Aerospace Engineering Solutions will proudly exhibit on Stand 131.

This key industry event provides a unique opportunity to meet with industry colleagues and showcase our latest advancements and capabilities in aerospace engineering, including our comprehensive GCAA and EASA Part 21J solutions.

Our experts will be on hand to share insights, answer your questions, and discuss how our tailored services can meet your specific needs. If you are interested in learning more about how we can support your business, please get in touch below.

Book a Meeting Today

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As global demand for long-range flights grows, Aerospace Engineering Solutions (AES), an EASA Part 21J design organisation, stands ready to support airlines and lessors with fast, safe, and efficient wide-body cabin reconfiguration solutions. Leveraging our expertise in aircraft interior modifications and repairs, we’re at the forefront of the industry, committed to transforming aircraft interiors to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

Our highly skilled teams, based in the UK and Spain, bring meticulous attention to detail to every project. With a focus on quality and compliance, we ensure that each cabin modification meets stringent safety standards and delivers a seamless, comfortable experience for passengers.

Tailored cabin modification capabilities

AES specialises in a comprehensive range of cabin modifications designed to adapt wide-body aircraft to the specific operational requirements of airlines and lessors. Our services include:

  • LOPA – Seating reconfigurations: From single-class to multi-class seating arrangements, we optimise layouts to maximise space, comfort, and revenue potential.
  • Monument changes: Our expertise covers galley replacements, overhead stowage compartments (OHSC), dummy windows, and lavatory replacements, enhancing functionality and aesthetics in every cabin.
  • Interior aesthetics upgrades: We provide seat cover, carpet, and escape path lighting (EPL) changes to elevate cabin appearance and improve passenger ambience.
  • Emergency equipment relocation: Ensuring safety equipment positioning for compliance and ease of access.
  • PSU reconfigurations: We offer modifications to passenger service units (PSUs) for better alignment with reconfigured layouts.
  • Placard rearrangements: Essential for regulatory compliance and ensuring a cohesive cabin design.
  • In-flight entertainment (IFE) installation: We have numerous IFE STCs and extensive experience ensuring seamless and efficient installation.
  • Wireless in-flight entertainment installation: With airlines increasingly opting for wireless LAN packages, we have developed minor changes and STCs to provide a package to suit all.
  • Cabin USB power: As demand grows for in-cabin and flight deck USB power options, we offer flexible solutions for Type A and Type C USB power.

Partner with AES for your cabin reconfigurations needs

Contact our experts today to learn how AES can support your cabin reconfiguration needs with the engineering expertise and materials required to make these transformations happen at info@aesglobal.co.uk.

Looking for more insights into our recent projects? Read about our recent STC approval for a new A330 cabin layout here.

 

Aerospace Engineering Solutions (AES), a leading specialist in aircraft design and certification, is thrilled to announce the successful completion and approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. 10085153. This STC enables a complete business-class only cabin reconfiguration on an Airbus A321 aircraft.

Headquartered in the UK, with additional operations in Spain and Ireland, AES’s Design Organisation Approval (DOA) team was contracted by beOnd, the world’s first premium leisure airline, to develop a modification that introduces a cabin layout using 34 business class seats, generating a 68-passenger seating configuration. The lie-flat seat motion system is a standout feature in the narrow-body aircraft market.

Key modifications include:

  • Installation of Optimares Vivaldi lie-flat business class seats
  • Integration of the seat motion power system
  • Installation of 110V AC and USB Type C In-Seat Power Supply System
  • Rearrangement of cabin monuments
  • Door 3 exit type re-assigned from Type I to Type III
  • Rearrangement of Passenger Service Units (PSUs)
  • Reconfiguration of emergency equipment and emergency path lighting
  • Updated placards
  • New carpet and cabin attendant seat covers
  • On-site cabin inspections

In addition to the interior reconfiguration, AES also provided the EASA-approved Part 21J technical data package to accomplish beOnd’s stunning signature dark grey and copper livery.

Commenting on this achievement, Andrew Dolby, Director at Aerospace Engineering Solutions, said:

“This latest STC approval reflects our commitment to excellence and reinforces our position as a leader in aircraft cabin reconfigurations. Our team demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness and dedication, overcoming challenges related to material and parts procurement, all while working within a tight time schedule to ensure that the modification was completed and approved on time for our customer. We are thrilled to have partnered with beOnd on their new aircraft and deliver a configuration that will enhance the passenger experience, and we wish them all the success.

“Our vast scope of approval and highly experienced team in cabin interiors, structures, and avionics allows us to provide our customers with any cabin configuration for their fleet.”

Tero Taskila, CEO & Chairman at beOnd, said:

“We are happy to have received the STC for our A321 aircraft, marking the addition of the second aircraft to our growing fleet. The expertise and professionalism of the AES team have been invaluable in transforming the beOnd vision from concept to reality, supporting our journey of expansion. A special thank you to Andrew and the entire AES team for their outstanding partnership. As we continue to grow, we look forward to working with them again in the future.”

beOnd Airbus A321

 

beOnd Airbus A321