Critical Requirements for Sub-contracting Assembly Work in Aerospace Manufacturing

The industry sector of aerospace manufacturing has been evolving rapidly, especially given the uncertainty that accompanied the arrival of Covid-19 and the subsequent downturn in volume of new business. More recently, the sector has returned to more vibrant as the main effects of the pandemic have receded and the travel industry is undergoing a significant rebound.

AAA Canada has been providing support to the aerospace manufacturing sector in Canada since 2007-2008, when it was founded as an offshoot of AAA Europe in response to the growth and increased importance of manufacturing in the aerospace, ground transportation and defence sectors.

It's focus and business model is based on providing manufacturers in the above sectors with skilled and qualified assembly-workers on a short-term or temporary basis. AAA Canada's value proposition to these manufacturers offers them greater flexibility and responsiveness for responding to dynamic and sometimes volatile business conditions.

The manufacturing operations of the aerospace sector demand precision, reliability, and uncompromising quality, making the process of sub-contracting assembly work a complex challenge. Sub-contracting assembly work plays an essential role in providing aerospace manufacturers with increased labour force flexibility.

AAA Canada's model - recruiting and managing experienced, qualified and certified employees who are subcontracted, usually for specific periods of time - permits aerospace manufacturers to meet stringent mission-critical requirements for effective operations in a responsive and cost-effective manner.

Our Added Value in Aerospace Manufacturing

As post-pandemic business conditions have emerged that encourage and support the industry's growth in response to increased demand, the technologies and designs for new aerospace vehicles has been changing as well.

Several clients have been developing programs to design and build new kinds of airplanes. Combined with the exciting possibilities for many more electricity-based designs in the future, AAA Canada is responding by seeking to provide additional value for the needs of its aerospace clients.

The company is exploring ways to provide clients with new-and-necessary skills or new configurations of operational support as clients develop prototypes to discover what works best, and then package the necessary resources and capabilities in ways that will offer increased value to its clientele. An early example is called 'serial production' whereby the development of prototypes is accompanied by many modifications on an ongoing basis until final versions are decided. AAA Canada is exploring ways to plan and deliver operational support on a sub-contracted basis that fits with or integrates into the rhythm of production and assembly operations.

In the context set out above, in order to deliver real added-value for clients, sub-contracting must be cost-effective, strategically useful and well-managed and must respond appropriately to the following mission-critical issues.

Regulatory Compliance and Certifications

The foundation of aerospace manufacturing lies in adherence to stringent regulatory standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and specific aerospace certifications (AS9120, AS9110). Sub-contractors must demonstrate a deep understanding and compliance with these certifications to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.

AS9100 is the aerospace-specific adaptation of ISO 9001, used by the aerospace industry to embed strict quality standards throughout manufacturing and assembly operation.

As new designs and requirements emerge, finding and hiring people with the basic skills and experience required for candidates is of critical importance. AAA Canada's sub-contracting based business model depends upon an ongoing stream of qualified people.

Technical Expertise and Capabilities

AAA Canada provides its clients with skilled labour certified to meet AS9100 standards, and it ensures that its employee remain certified through a renewal of that certification every four years.

Precision engineering and technical proficiency are non-negotiable. Sub-contractors must demonstrate a proven track record in aerospace assembly, possessing advanced machinery, skilled personnel, and a robust quality control system. Expertise in handling specialized materials and processes is essential.

Finding and engaging skilled and qualified candidates for becoming AAA Canada employees is the ongoing primary business challenge. Its business model depends upon being able to provide competent and flexible capability on a sub-contract basis to enable aerospace clients to meet fluctuating and sometimes volatile operational requirements for assembly and sub-assembly.

Reliability and On-time Delivery

Meeting deadlines in the aerospace industry is a fundamental element of effective manufacturing and assembly operations. Sub-contractors must exhibit reliability in delivering components on time, ensuring a smooth flow within the broader manufacturing timeline. Consistency in meeting deadlines minimizes production interruptions and optimizes efficiency.

Quality Control and Assurance

Uncompromising quality is the hallmark of aerospace manufacturing. Sub-contractors must implement stringent quality control measures, including comprehensive inspections, testing protocols, and traceability of components. Zero-tolerance for defects is the industry standard.

AAA Canada addresses this by basing its business on providing skilled employees who are certified under the AS9100 framework of quality standards. Indeed, all employees are required to be certified every four years, which ensures that their skills and knowledge are currently met and emerging AS9100 criteria.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Aerospace projects often evolve, demanding adaptability from sub-contractors. Flexibility in accommodating design changes, scale-up requirements, and evolving specifications is crucial. Agility in responding to unforeseen challenges without compromising quality is key.

In response to this ongoing challenge, AAA Canada has been exploring what is called 'serial production' capabilities, wherein skills and capabilities necessary for meeting the requirements of frequent modifications to the prototypes are identified and eventually packaged into production and assembly procedures and operating schedules, etcetera.

Effective Communication and Collaboration

Seamless communication and collaboration are pivotal for success. Sub-contractors must maintain transparent and effective communication channels with the primary manufacturer. Clear lines of dialogue ensure alignment, minimizing errors and optimizing efficiency.

An ongoing challenge and opportunity for AAA Canada's profile in the market for sub-contracted assembly and technical support is the critical need for recruiting skilled and experienced candidates. Increasingly, due to labour market conditions in North America, recruiting good candidates focuses on attracting skilled and experienced people from Europe and Central America. AAA Canada puta an important emphasis on helping foreign workers make the transitions involved in moving to another country and establishing a new life.

Risk Management and Contingency Planning

Aerospace manufacturing involves inherent risks. Sub-contractors must have comprehensive risk mitigation strategies and robust contingency plans in place. Preparedness for potential disruptions ensures continuity in operations.

Successful Sub-contracting

Sub-contracting assembly work in the aerospace manufacturing sector demands a harmonious blend of technical prowess, unwavering commitment to quality, regulatory compliance, and adaptability. Delivering on these outcomes requires AAA Canada to focus on finding, hiring and retaining the qualified knowledge workers who can provide value and adaptability through sub-contracting.

The discovery and retention of qualified candidates who can be certified to AS9100 standards is mission-critical, and challenging. Finding, hiring and developing these employees as valuable resources is a primary concern and is the core requirement for success in sub-contracting to the aerospace industry.