Redefining aerospace EHSQ through proactive strategies and AI innovation

The aerospace and defense sector is a symbol of technological innovation, precision, and unyielding commitment to safety and quality. At the forefront of driving these values forward is Martin de Jong, the Global Director for Health Safety and Environment and Quality at Fokker Services Group. With a century of history behind it, Fokker Services Group has become a trusted name, supporting over 1,500 aircraft across various fleet segments, ranging from business and commercial aviation to government and defense. Martin’s extensive expertise offers a rare window into how the EHSQ landscape is evolving, particularly in an era where data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping traditional practices.

Introducing Fokker Services Group and Martin de Jong

Fokker Services Group stands as a global leader in aerospace maintenance, supported by a workforce of over 1,000 engineers, technicians, and inspectors spread across key locations in the Netherlands, the United States, and Singapore. What sets Fokker Services Group apart is its end-to-end approach, acting as a single-source solution for design, production, maintenance, and airworthiness under stringent civil and military aviation standards.

Martin, in his pivotal role, oversees global EHSQ  practices, ensuring compliance with evolving aviation authority requirements and key certifications, including ISO 14001/50001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001, as well as EN 9100/9110/9120. His day-to-day responsibilities extend beyond compliance; they encompass embedding flight safety and occupational safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement into the company’s operations. Drawing on his decades of experience, Martin sheds light on the challenges and best practices shaping aerospace EHSQ today.

The shift from reactive to proactive in EHSQ

When speaking about the evolution of the quality and safety landscape, Martin highlights one primary transformation that has stood out over the years: the move from reactive to proactive management. Historically, aerospace quality and safety relied on addressing incidents as they occurred. By reacting to audit results or remedial actions, companies often found themselves closing gaps after issues had already materialized.

Today, the tide has shifted. The industry is increasingly adopting a proactive, hazard-based approach. Rather than waiting for issues to arise, organizations analyze potential risks, assess their likelihood of becoming problems, and adapt standards accordingly to mitigate these hazards. Martin explains that this approach demands a new mindset, one that views safety and quality management as predictive and preventive rather than corrective.

This shift has been both a necessity and an opportunity, as Martin points out. The growing complexity of the regulatory environment, coupled with geopolitical changes like the U.K.’s exit from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), demands readiness for swift adaptation. Organizations that can anticipate these challenges rather than react are better positioned to meet new requirements efficiently. 

How AI is transforming aerospace quality and safety

Among the technologies reshaping the aerospace sector, AI stands out as a game-changer in EHSQ. Martin underscores the power of AI in enabling the proactive strategies that are now redefining the industry. From analyzing root causes to monitoring trends, AI allows aerospace companies to process vast amounts of unstructured data and extract actionable insights with remarkable precision.

Turning data into actionable intelligence

Martin notes that traditional quality management practices often rely on rigid classifications and structured formats to analyze data, such as predefined root cause categories. However, these methods may limit organizations’ ability to identify emerging risks or patterns. AI, by contrast, can analyze free-form text, spot recurring themes, and even detect nuances that human analysis might overlook.

For instance, integrating AI into root cause analytics enables aerospace companies to predict failure points based on historical data rather than relying solely on post-incident reviews. The speed and accuracy with which AI tools can process data are helping organizations shift from merely addressing issues to preemptively preventing them. Martin envisions a future where AI does not merely assist decision-making but is an integral part of it, sifting through vast data lakes to inform risk management strategies.

Monitoring trends for predictive insights

Another invaluable application of AI lies in trend monitoring. Martin explains how advancements in machine learning enable the identification of patterns tied to safety and performance, providing the industry with a predictive edge. Monitoring metrics like hazard reporting, risk assessments, and the effectiveness of management-of-change processes offers critical foresight into potential issues.

The ability to predict maintenance needs, for instance, based on AI-driven insights can help organizations improve reliability and lower the average Mean Time Between Unscheduled Removals (MTBUR). By combining business intelligence with AI, companies achieve shorter Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycles, enabling faster responses to potential risks while enhancing operational efficiency.

Smarter resource allocation and skills management

AI is also playing a role in freeing up human resources for higher-value activities. Martin observes that, historically, significant time and manpower were spent on manual reporting and basic compliance tasks. With AI handling these routine functions, organizations can redirect personnel toward activities that require expertise, such as on-the-ground inspections and advanced analytics.

This shift is particularly critical in a post-pandemic context, where many companies in aerospace experienced workforce churn. Martin emphasizes the importance of balancing automation with investments in staff skills and training to maintain the expertise needed to oversee increasingly complex systems.

Looking ahead: the future of EHSQ in aerospace

The aerospace and defense sectors are entering an era where data-driven insights and AI capabilities will define success in quality and safety management. For Martin, the roadmap ahead is clear. Expanding the use of AI for proactive monitoring will continue to reduce unscheduled maintenance, improve regulatory compliance, and raise safety standards overall. However, as organizations adopt these technologies, they must not lose sight of the human element. Training, skills management, and the ability to interpret data critically will remain vital.

Perhaps the most striking insight Martin leaves us with is the idea that EHSQ is no longer a static discipline focused solely on meeting regulatory requirements. It is a dynamic field that demands agility, foresight, and a commitment to continuous improvement. AI is not just a tool for efficiency; it is a catalyst for innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerospace quality and safety.

By harnessing these technologies, companies like Fokker Services Group ensure they remain at the forefront of an industry where trust, precision, and safety are non-negotiable. While the challenges ahead may be significant, the opportunities for growth and progress are even greater. With leaders like Martin de Jong guiding the way, the future of EHSQ in aerospace looks brighter than ever.