Barbados has entered a new era in aviation capabilities with the historic certification of its first Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO), positioning the island nation for enhanced technical capacity and global competitiveness in air transport.
The Barbados Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) granted full certification to Aviation Technical Services of Barbados Inc (ATSB), marking the first AMO establishment at Grantley Adams International Airport. BCAA Director General Tracey Forde-Bailey characterized this development as “an exceptional milestone” that carries significant responsibility for maintaining international aviation standards.
The certification process, which typically requires 8-12 months for completion, was finalized ahead of schedule in 2024. Forde-Bailey emphasized that the five-phase approval procedure demanded strict adherence to International Civil Aviation Organisation standards alongside Barbados’ technical regulations, describing it as “an ambitious undertaking.”
Beyond technical advancements, the AMO certification generates substantial national benefits. It establishes career pathways for emerging aviation professionals, stimulates future investment opportunities, and enhances Barbados’ commercial enterprise development. The achievement particularly strengthens Barbados’ strategic position as a Caribbean aviation hub, given its geographic advantage between North America, South America, and Africa.
Industry experts highlighted the certification’s multifaceted impact. Dr. Kareem Yarde, Education Officer with the Barbados Aircraft and Aviation Services Company, praised ATSB’s “extensive and strenuous efforts” in achieving this milestone. Gerston Blenman, ATSB’s Director of Maintenance, noted the certification validates Barbados’ compliance with International Air Transport Association regulations, creating opportunities for job expansion into higher maintenance operations.
The development also promises educational benefits, potentially attracting young talent from technical institutes like the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology into aviation maintenance careers. As a certified line maintenance operator, ATSB can now perform transit checks for international carriers, leveraging Barbados’ strategic location as a transit point between major continents.