From cabin seats to flight systems: Why aerospace quality is critical to aviation safety and performance
Stephen Zurel, PMP, serves as the Senior Manager of the Quality Organisation at Jamco America. Prior experience includes leadership positions at Greenpoint Technologies, Inc., and Aviation Technical Services. Stephen holds a degree in Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics from Cheyenne Aerotech.
In the aviation industry, a foundational commitment to quality is not just a best practice — it is a fundamental necessity.
With stringent safety regulations, high passenger expectations, and the need for operational efficiency, ensuring the use of high-quality components is critical.
The integrity of aircraft interior products, from seating and lavatories to galley installations and other essential components, depends on rigorous quality management, proactive risk mitigation, and adherence to industry standards.
So how can aviation companies foster a comprehensive culture of aerospace quality?
Why aerospace quality underpins aviation safety and efficiency
Aircraft parts must meet exacting safety and reliability standards to ensure they perform under all operating conditions.
Components such as seating structures and lavatory installations must be lightweight yet robust, adhering to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) requirements.
Beyond structural integrity, well-designed and properly manufactured parts contribute to overall operational efficiency.
Weight is a decisive factor in aviation: lighter components save fuel, lower emissions, and improve performance. Yet strength and durability cannot be compromised. Reliable, lightweight components reduce maintenance costs, prevent unexpected failures, and extend service life, ultimately cutting delays and increasing airline profitability.
Achieving this balance requires companies to exceed, not just meet, regulatory standards.
How aerospace quality is defined and measured in manufacturing
In aerospace manufacturing, quality is assessed through regulatory compliance, industry certifications, and performance-based evaluations. Leading manufacturers follow internationally recognised standards such as ISO 9001 and AS9100 to establish robust quality management systems.
Holding designations like the FAA’s Production Approval Holder (PAH) and Organisation Designation Authorisation (ODA) also brings additional oversight, including audits and FAA surveillance, to ensure ongoing compliance with stringent safety and manufacturing regulations.
Beyond compliance, quality is increasingly viewed as an economic as well as a technical imperative. Metrics such as on-time delivery, defect rates, and rework are key indicators of operational health, directly influencing profitability, customer satisfaction, and resource efficiency.
By embedding these metrics within a business management system (BMS), companies align operational performance with financial outcomes.
Structured oversight practices, such as monthly executive quality reviews segmented by department, allow organisations to track performance, analyse defects, and make informed decisions for process improvements. Such reviews reinforce cross-functional collaboration and ensure quality remains a core business priority.
Building resilience through proactive risk management
A true culture of aerospace quality emphasises proactive risk management rather than reactive fixes. An “always audit-ready” approach ensures quality checks and process adherence are ingrained into daily operations rather than treated as occasional compliance exercises.
Enterprise risk management strategies help anticipate and address potential supply chain disruptions. By mapping out risk factors over one, three, and five years, manufacturers can adjust sourcing and production strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities.
Supplier oversight programmes, including FAA-approved supplier lists, further ensure consistency across the supply chain.
Even when issues arise, robust quality systems that leverage real-time analytics and cross-functional collaboration can identify root causes and apply corrective measures to prevent recurrence. This shifts quality management from reactive problem-solving to proactive assurance, embedding continuous learning across operations.
People and processes: reducing error through training and expertise
At the heart of a quality culture is human expertise. Despite advances in automation and digital tools, well-trained and engaged employees remain the cornerstone of high standards. Companies that invest in continuous training and skill development significantly reduce human error.
An open feedback loop between frontline staff and management is essential. When technicians and engineers are encouraged to share insights, potential issues are flagged earlier, and process improvements follow. This two-way communication enhances efficiency, reduces errors, and builds a culture where employees feel empowered and accountable.
Aligning quality assurance teams with engineering also ensures inspection processes are closely tied to design and production goals. This integration creates components that consistently meet both regulatory and performance expectations.
Sustainability and digitalisation: the future of aerospace manufacturing
The aviation industry is evolving rapidly, and manufacturers must stay ahead of emerging trends to remain competitive. Sustainability and digitalisation are two areas reshaping aerospace quality.
Green procurement practices – selecting environmentally responsible suppliers and materials – are gaining importance as airlines and regulators demand more sustainable operations. Companies that integrate these practices are better positioned to meet both regulatory requirements and customer expectations.
Digitalisation is equally transformative. The adoption of 3D model-based definition (MBD) embeds detailed product and manufacturing information directly into digital models, reducing reliance on 2D drawings and minimising interpretation errors. This unified approach streamlines communication between design, manufacturing, and quality teams, shortening production cycles.
MBD also enables digital inspection processes. By embedding dimensions, tolerances, and critical data within the 3D model, automated systems can perform real-time verification, improving accuracy and reducing costly rework. The result is more efficient, consistent, and sustainable production.
Aerospace quality in practice: lessons from Jamco America
The principles outlined above are actively applied at Jamco America to maintain excellence in aerospace manufacturing.
Operating under an FAA-approved quality management system, Jamco America has upheld ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications for over two decades.
As a PAH, the company can manufacture and certify components under its own rigorous quality system, while its ODA authorisation allows for design changes and repairs without relying solely on external approvals. This combined capability enhances efficiency, oversight, and compliance.
Jamco America also embeds quality as a value-generating function. Metrics such as on-time delivery and defect rates are tracked not just for compliance but as strategic levers influencing profitability and customer satisfaction.
Beyond compliance, the company fosters continuous improvement through employee training, non-conformance trend analysis, and corrective actions. Green procurement and 3D MBD technology further strengthen Jamco’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and speed-to-market.
Quality is the foundation of aviation success
A culture of aerospace quality is the foundation for success in aviation, where there is no margin for error. Every component must meet the highest standards to guarantee safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Industry leaders distinguish themselves by embedding quality into their organisational DNA — championing excellence, proactively managing risk, and embracing sustainability and digital transformation.
Jamco America exemplifies these principles, showing how a structured, forward-looking approach to aerospace quality can set the standard for long-term leadership in the industry.
