QUALITY ASSURANCE IN ETHIOPIAN AIR LINES GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES MAINTENANCE

Abstract

Maintenance quality and safety specifically in aircraft Ground handling operations and related support activities is the primary issue for the industry. Various international regulatory bodies assess these service providers directly /indirectly. The aim of this paper is to identify factors affecting Quality assurance in equipment and facility maintenance that could have potential impact for decertification of the air line and cause restriction from getting permit due to non-compliance to safety standards. This was mainly because of the repetitive reports from internal micro Audit report by the strategic business units Quality assurance sections. The findings indicated that some equipment serving at the air sides were found with overdue maintenance schedule, missing safety items, which could hamper the operational dependability and on time performance. The research method used included literature review, data collection, interviews and observation. A total number of 105 questionnaires were distributed. The collected 95 questionnaires replies were analyzed. Factor analysis was used in determining the significance of the variables collected as per the Likert scale. Relative importance index was also computed to identify the most important factors. The study noted that improve the quality assurance for maintenance service requires policy & strategic objectives, to elevate employees’ role and participation through the formation of quality team that ultimately contribute for the development of organizational culture and maintenance quality. Also re reward and recognition of employees performance measurement techniques and methods need to formulated better way that addresses quality. Quality assurance department dedicated to the maintenance section that independently audit the quality assurance for internal customers for the ground handling support services is part of the recommendation.