Inter-Tec Group, which offers specialist engineering, design and analysis solutions across the broad aviation sector, is opening a new European base in Sligo in the Republic of Ireland, complementing its established Prestwick, Scotland home.

The new business, Inter-Tec Aero Limited becomes the principal site of business for EASA approvals. It secured EASA Part 21J Design Organisation Approval in February, replicating the capabilities and certification benefits provided up until now by UK division Inter-Tec Services.

“The prime objective in creating this new company is to provide continuity of EASA-approved design services to our overseas customers located in Asia, Middle East and Africa, as well as the UK and Europe, in the new post-Brexit environment,” comments Fred Gorrie, Inter-Tec Group MD. “In exploring all our options, we settled on Sligo as the best-fit EU home. The investment cost us around GBP70,000, but thankfully we had some cushion, having had an exceptional financial year through to September 2019 before the pandemic struck. This strategically important new European base will be a catalyst to drive the next phase of Inter-Tec's development. Customers around the world expect and ask for approvals under EASA, one of the pre-eminent aviation regulatory bodies globally.”

Inter-Tec Aero has moved in alongside the Causeway Aero Group, a complementary EASA Part 21G Production and EASA Part 145 maintenance business that has served as partner supplier to Inter-Tec for several years on a number of design and build projects, mainly focused on interiors and aircraft seating.

“Our customers will continue to receive the full EASA design and certification service they have come to expect and deserve from us. From the new base we can also engage more effectively with the aircraft leasing companies based in Ireland,” Gorrie adds.

The new base will enable Inter-Tec to build on its global client base, serving as a regular supply chain company to companies including Airbus, Triumph Aviation, BAE Systems, Spirit Aero Systems, Leonardo, GKN and the Babcock Group.

Gorrie and his four directors/post holders will travel regularly between the two bases. Its current engineering team at Prestwick will remain a key resource to the Group, with Inter-Tec Aero becoming 'the principal place of business' for EASA approvals. When the market improves, the plan is for Inter-Tec Aero to recruit local technical specialists, noted Fred.

Inter-Tec widened out its expertise as coronavirus struck last year, with projects including certification work on regional airline Loganair's Saab 340 aircraft, to enable the transportation of an Epiguard Epishuttle and is currently providing an STC on the Leonardo AW139 helicopter for installation of an Isoark isolation pod, both for transportation of sick patients. Other specialist work handled includes the design and certification of Seatrays to protect the cabin floors and electrics of search and rescue helicopters during rescue incidents. Inter-Tec worked on this for The Babcock Group.