CONCERTO – EASA Workshop: Advancing Digital Certification Together

In December 2025, CONCERTO WP5 partners participated in a dedicated workshop with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), held at the EASA in Cologne. The workshop brought together experts from EASA and industry to review progress, exchange insights on digital transformation, and align on priorities for the coming year.

Strengthening Collaboration on Digital Certification

The main objectives of the workshop were to review the progress of ongoing EASA SAB AG.002 (in charge of Digital Certification) Work Package Items (WPIs), share updates on EASA’s Certification Platform and broader digital transformation, and define next steps toward implementation with very first roll-out in 2026. The discussions confirmed the strong alignment between CONCERTO developments and EASA’s vision for a more data-centric, collaborative, and digitally enabled certification process.

Progress Across Key Work Package Items

Significant progress was presented across several WPIs:

• Architecture and Security (WPI056)

  Partners reviewed and evaluated multiple architectural options for future digital collaboration between applicants and EASA. A phased integration approach was proposed, starting with asynchronous data exchange in the short term and progressing toward direct IT systems linkage in the longer term. EASA provided positive feedback on the quality and maturity of the technical evaluation, while emphasizing the importance of a gradual and secure transition from document-based to data-driven exchanges.

• Digital Regulation (WPI059)

  Progress was showcased on the use of REQ-IF as a potential IT standard format for exchanging digital regulations and certification basis. Demonstrations illustrated the conversion of regulatory content into structured digital content and interoperability with machine-readable format. EASA supported the approach in principle, highlighting the need for industry-wide consensus and suggesting the development of a EUROCAE standard as the next step.

• Certification Program Data (WPI058)

  Advanced queries and collaborative review on certification program data were demonstrated, as well as the foundations to manage the lifecycle of a digital certification basis over numerous Changes to Type Certificate. Discussions emphasized the link between the certification basis and the product configuration to properly manage the “As-Certified” view of the product which is produced by the certification process.

• Certification Project Management (WPI057)

  New, more agile ways of working were presented, focusing on coordinated project management, shared visibility, and improved data continuity between EASA and applicants. Demonstrations highlighted the potential value of a shared digital “cockpit” for managing certification activities.

• EASA Certification Platform and Digital Transformation

  EASA provided an update on the new Certification Platform, including the initial scope and planning for the first release mid 2026 (so called MVP). The objective is to ensure service continuity while laying the foundations for future digital expansion. Industry feedback on the platform demonstrations was very positive, with strong recognition of the alignment between EASA’s roadmap beyond MVP and the data-centric approach developed within CONCERTO.

Looking Ahead: Priorities for 2026

The workshop concluded with a forward-looking discussion on priorities for 2026. Several new WPIs were identified, focusing on:

• Entry into service of the Certification Platform (MVP),

• Enhanced and agile project management in real environments,

• Implementation of the first Digital Certification Basis,

• Machine-to-machine (M2M) integration, and

• Development of a fully digital certification program.

These initiatives mark important steps toward a more efficient, transparent, and collaborative certification ecosystem.

A Shared Vision for the Future

The workshop reaffirmed the value of close collaboration between EASA and industry. The outcomes demonstrated that CONCERTO is playing a key role in supporting the transition from document-centric to data-centric certification, contributing concrete solutions, demonstrations, and roadmaps that align with EASA’s long-term digitalization strategy.

Further refinement and planning sessions are scheduled in early 2026 to continue this momentum and translate demonstrations into operational reality.