This article is based on an official press release from Helix.

Helix Secures AS9100 Certification, Targeting Independent Aerospace Propulsion Approval

Helix, the UK-based manufacturer of high-performance electric motors and inverters, officially announced on January 29, 2026, that it has received AS9100 certification for its Quality Management System (QMS). This certification marks a pivotal transition for the Milton Keynes-based company, trading name of Integral Powertrain Ltd, as it moves to solidify its standing as a Tier 1 supplier in the Aerospace sector.

The AS9100 standard is the internationally recognized benchmark for quality management in the aviation, space, and defense industries. By achieving this status, Helix validates that its manufacturing processes meet the stringent safety, reliability, and traceability requirements necessary for flight-critical components. According to the company’s announcement, this achievement is not merely a compliance milestone but a strategic prerequisite for its long-term roadmap toward “Part 21” approval.

Strategic Roadmap: The Path to Part 21

While AS9100 certification allows Helix to supply flight-ready hardware, the company has identified this as a foundational step toward a broader goal: Part 21 design organization approval. Currently, Helix supplies propulsion systems to various aerospace clients, including satellite launch providers, eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) developers, and the supersonic jet engine manufacturer Astro Mechanica.

Under current regulations, Helix’s customers often bear the burden of certifying the airworthiness of the integrated propulsion systems. However, the company states that achieving Part 21 approval would fundamentally change this dynamic. It would empower Helix to independently certify its own propulsion systems, thereby offering “certified systems” to the market and significantly reducing the regulatory workload for their partners.

Derek Jordanou-Bailey, Chief Engineer for Aerospace at Helix, emphasized the long-term implications of this certification in a statement:

“This is an exciting step for Helix. AS9100 certification represents a commitment to developing our relationship and offering for the aerospace industry. Alongside improving our efficiency and quality management processes, this certification provides the foundation for developing our policies and management systems towards regulatory approval, which are essential for current and future programmes as we move towards flight certification with our customers and partners across aerospace.”

Cross-Sector Operational Impact

Although the certification is specific to aerospace, Helix reports that the operational changes required to meet the standard have been applied across its entire business structure. The company, which also services the high-performance automotive, marine, and defense sectors, noted that the rigorous “cleanliness processes” and “critical build process” approvals mandated by AS9100 are now standard practice for all its manufacturing lines.

This integration ensures that the high-power-density electric motors Helix produces for hypercars and defense applications benefit from the same risk management and traceability protocols as their aviation counterparts. The company recently expanded into the UK defense sector in late 2025, and this certification is expected to bolster its credibility in that highly regulated market as well.

AirPro News Analysis

The awarding of AS9100 to Helix highlights a significant trend in the electrification of aviation: the maturation of automotive-origin technology into aerospace-grade hardware. Helix, originally known for its dominance in high-end automotive powertrains, is effectively bridging the gap between “automotive speed” and “aerospace safety.”

For OEMs in the eVTOL and supersonic sectors, the availability of a supplier that is working toward Part 21 approval is a major asset. It suggests a future supply chain where propulsion units come pre-certified, potentially accelerating the timeline for next-generation aircraft to reach commercial viability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AS9100 certification?
AS9100 is a widely adopted standardized quality management system for the aerospace industry. It builds upon ISO 9001 standards but adds approximately 100 additional requirements focused on safety, reliability, and product conformity.

Who is Helix?
Helix is the trading name of Integral Powertrain Ltd, a UK-based engineering firm specializing in power-dense electric motors and inverters for automotive, aerospace, marine, and defense sectors.

What is Part 21 approval?
Part 21 refers to regulatory approval that allows a design organization to certify that its products meet airworthiness requirements. Helix aims to achieve this to independently certify its propulsion systems.

Sources

• Helix Press Release