XO Helicopters successfully passed their AS9120 external audit with zero nonconformities, observations, or opportunities for improvement, demonstrating a highly effective aerospace quality management system.
About the Client
XO Helicopters is a Norway-based aviation company specialising in helicopter services, including the sourcing, inspection, storage and distribution of helicopter parts, including the management of part-out components through external overhaul and repair service, for the aerospace sector. Operating within a highly regulated industry, they are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance, supported by internationally recognised certifications and robust management systems.
About the Project
XO Helicopters engaged Assent in November 2025 to support their journey towards AS9120 certification. The project began with a gap analysis to assess their existing processes, followed by full implementation of the aerospace quality management system in preparation for their external audit with certification body Auva.
Our Approach
Assent’s aerospace consultant, Danny Lee, provided hands-on, on-site support throughout the project. Danny travelled regularly to Norway to work directly with the XO Helicopters team, delivering practical guidance, building the management system collaboratively, and ensuring requirements were fully understood and embedded. His support covered gap analysis, full system implementation, internal audits, and detailed preparation for the external audit, with in-person sessions playing a key role in driving progress and confidence across the organisation.
Outcome
XO Helicopters successfully passed their AS9120 external audit with Auva, achieving zero nonconformities, observations, or opportunities for improvement – an exceptional result that reflects both the strength of their management system and the effectiveness of the hands-on implementation approach.
Client Comment:
What made the biggest difference was Danny’s ability to analyse our ongoing business and implement the AS9120 system around it. He took the time to understand our daily operations and put it all together in a way that worked for us, which is why the project was such a success – Syver Bjørgo, COO, XO Helicopters AS.
Consultant Comment:
Working with the team at XO Helicopters has been a genuinely rewarding experience. From the outset, their commitment to customer satisfaction was clear, not just as a statement, but in how they operate day to day.
What stood out most was their understanding of quality. This wasn’t treated as a box-ticking exercise for certification, but as something embedded within their processes and decision-making. They demonstrated a strong appreciation of their role within the wider aerospace supply chain, particularly the importance of traceability, control, and consistency in everything they do.
Achieving AS9120 certification is a significant milestone, and it’s a direct reflection of the team’s professionalism, discipline, and willingness to do things properly. It’s been a pleasure supporting them through the process. – Danny Lee, Assent Risk Management
Looking to achieve AS9120 certification with confidence?
Assent’s expert consultants provide hands-on, practical support, including on-site guidance, from gap analysis through to audit success.
