Frequently Asked Questions

Who are we?

We are IAMA: Independent Aircraft Modifier Alliance. We’re a non-profit association with international members that work together for a transparent, distinct, and independent market for aircraft retrofit.

How and by whom were we established?

We observed existing uncertainties from the industry when looking into independent modifications and discovered that only little knowledge is available on aircraft modification and retrofit topics. Therefore, our four founding members, Eclipse Technics, Envoy Aerospace, Etihad Engineering, and Lufthansa Technik, got together and created IAMA in 2020. Since the creation of the Alliance, we have been joined by many more early adapters from around the world.

 

What do we do?

We are advocates and supporters of member companies in the aircraft retrofit modification market. We are also educators identifying and highlighting the value of Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) within the aircraft life cycle.

With our members, we develop a high-quality customer-centric standard for the documentation and quality of aircraft modifications. This is done through a rulebook containing rules and best practices for aircraft modifiers to provide operators and owners with high-quality modifications.

We work on solutions to improve cross-border aircraft transferability of STC approvals, the handling of IP process and efficiencies and the establishment of an available and secure documentation platform for airline customers and aircraft owners using STCs.

 

Rulebook… What is it exactly?

The IAMA Rulebook, our most important resource, defines the requirements that guide IAMA members towards higher quality modification, containing a collection of operational and functional rules defining a commonly agreed framework for the complete retrofit modification life cycle.

Its purpose is to guide IAMA members towards higher quality modifications and to implement a streamlined STC project life cycle from their customer’s point of view. It provides standards, rationales, and best practices for a predictable quality. Clarifies the processes and attributes of the modification with respect to the demands of airline operators, aircraft owners and other stakeholders in the retrofit market. The rulebook focuses on the fields of communication, documentation and project management of a modification. It demonstrates a clear set of rules and an efficient path through a modification’s full life cycle. Endorsed STCs must comply with the Rulebook’s directives for a member to be authorized to affix and display the IAMA STC Label.

For more on IAMA Rulebook, please visit: https://iamalliance.aero/iama-rulebook.html or the rulebook Q&A.

How the aviation industry benefits from IAMA?

Independent STCs are a critical facilitator in the aircraft retrofit market for both airline operators and aircraft modifiers. IAMA’s transparent and independent approach to the market gives airline fleet operators more choices. Our standards-based methodology is simplifying the lifecycle of an STC project, encouraging a worldwide customer support network, and compiling validated and transferrable STC documentation as well as contributing additional value to the aviation industry as a whole.

 

Who can join IAMA?

We believe that a strong, independent and transparent retrofit market can benefit everyone. Therefore, we are open to all aviation market participants, including aircraft manufacturers, design organizations, airlines, suppliers, and lessors.

 

What are the membership categories?

If your business is involved in the retrofit market or you are an airline operator or a lessor looking for answers to questions about independent aircraft modifications and STCs, you are eligible to become an IAMA Member.

Our main membership categories are as follows:

• TIER 1, TIER 2 or TIER 3 Membership for Design Organizations
• Advisory Membership for Original Equipment Manufacturers
• Free Subscriber for Airlines and Lessors

 

What about membership fees? / How to become a member?

In order to see our membership fees which vary according to the membership categories, and to request membership, you can simply visit the following link and fill out our online form: https://iamalliance.aero/members-memberships.html

How to contact us?

The IAMA team is at your disposal. Contact us via your preferred channel, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

 

Write us an email: info@iamalliance.aero

Give us a call: + 32 (0)2 761 1656

Reach us through our contact form: https://iamalliance.aero/contact.html