Kaohsiung Partners with Metal Center and PRI to Cultivate Aerospace Talent! Preparing Industry for 2027 International Certification Reform

To assist the aerospace industry in adapting to new international certification standards set to take effect in 2027, the Kaohsiung City Government Economic Development Bureau, in collaboration with the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC) and the international aerospace certification body PRI, jointly hosted the '2026 Aerospace NADCAP Chemical Process Advanced Certification Training Program'. The full 28-hour course concluded successfully over six days, with 19 participants from domestic aerospace supply chain companies completing the training and proactively positioning themselves for future international market opportunities.

Completion of NADCAP Chemical Process Advanced Training: Strengthening Kaohsiung’s Aerospace Supply Chain Competitiveness

The Kaohsiung Economic Development Bureau stated that Kaohsiung is a major hub for aerospace manufacturing in Taiwan. Among aircraft engine components commissioned for production in Taiwan, as much as 75% are processed and manufactured by Kaohsiung-based companies. Chemical processing and surface treatment technologies are critical core competencies in aerospace component manufacturing. As next-generation fuel-efficient aircraft engines become mainstream, the global aerospace industry is placing increasing demands on quality management, process reliability, and sustainability. The revised NADCAP chemical process certification standard (AC7108), updated by PRI, is scheduled to be formally implemented in 2027, introducing new requirements such as green processes, environmental sustainability, and risk management. Supply chain enterprises must begin preparations early.

Economic Development Bureau Director Liao Tai-hsiang stated that, in a proactive move, the city specially invited Lum Chee-Soon, Chief Auditor of PRI, to Taiwan to conduct lectures. This initiative helps businesses understand the key points of the new certification standards, audit requirements, and common deficiencies, thereby reducing transition costs and enhancing corporate readiness.

Liao pointed out that according to statistics from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan’s aerospace industry has reached an annual output value of NT$161.2 billion, with Kaohsiung accounting for approximately NT$48.3 billion—nearly 30% of the national total. Currently, 22 core aerospace manufacturers have clustered in Gangshan, Luzhu, and Renwu, forming a complete aerospace manufacturing ecosystem with strong international competitive advantages.

Chou Yun-ping, an engineer from Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) who represented the trainees in receiving the completion certificate, said that as global aerospace supply chains increasingly demand green processes, sustainable management, and risk control, companies must grasp the new certification standards early to maintain their competitiveness. With direct instruction from PRI’s Chief Auditor, the course not only deepened participants’ understanding of the revised AC7108 standards but also taught methods to reduce audit findings, significantly shortening the time and cost required for companies to prepare for the new certification.

The Economic Development Bureau noted that Kaohsiung’s aerospace talent cultivation program has now entered its ninth year. Over the years, it has continuously offered international certification courses in areas such as heat treatment, non-destructive testing, and chemical processes, attracting over 192 participants cumulatively and assisting 90 companies in obtaining relevant certifications. This year, 12 companies participated—four more than last year—with a 90% increase in attendance. Participants even came from Taichung and Taoyuan, demonstrating the professional strength and reach of Kaohsiung’s aerospace training platform.

The bureau announced that on August 10, it will once again collaborate with the Metal Centre to launch the 'Aerospace Quality System AS9100 Training Course', helping companies establish quality management systems compliant with international standards and enhancing their capabilities to enter the global aerospace supply chain. Moving forward, the city government will continue to deepen collaboration among industry, government, academia, and research institutions, improve talent development and industrial services, and support Kaohsiung’s aerospace industry in capturing high-end international manufacturing markets, establishing the city as a key aerospace manufacturing base in Asia.