Universal Synaptics and GGAS Aviation Services Partner to Advance Intermittent Fault Detection Training and Technology in Saudi Arabia
Universal Synaptics Corporation (USC), a global leader in the detection and isolation of elusive electrical intermittent faults that drive costly No Fault Found (NFF) maintenance outcomes, has announced a strategic partnership with GGAS Aviation Services (GGAS) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement establishes an accredited, in-country educational and professional development program focused on advanced Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), electrical diagnostics, and intermittent fault isolation.
The partnership represents a significant step forward in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s technical maintenance ecosystem while directly supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives, particularly in workforce localization, advanced industrial capability development, and aerospace sustainment excellence.
Through this collaboration, Universal Synaptics and GGAS will deliver world-class education, specialized training, and cutting-edge diagnostic technologies to develop the next generation of multi-sector maintenance and sustainment leaders across aviation and other high-reliability industries in Saudi Arabia.
Addressing One of Maintenance’s Most Persistent Challenges
Intermittent electrical faults remain one of the most complex and expensive challenges across aviation, defense, and industrial maintenance environments. These faults—often triggered by vibration, temperature variation, moisture, or mechanical stress—can evade traditional test equipment, leading to repeated removals of components that test “good” on the bench. The result is the widely recognized No Fault Found (NFF) problem, which drives increased costs, aircraft downtime, supply-chain inefficiencies, and reduced operational readiness.
Universal Synaptics has spent decades researching the root causes of intermittent faults and the limitations of conventional diagnostic methods. Its technologies were developed specifically to close what the company describes as a “digital testing gap” that exists between static bench testing and real-world operational conditions.
By bringing these capabilities to Saudi Arabia through a structured training and education framework, the partnership aims not only to deploy advanced tools, but also to embed the knowledge required to use them effectively and sustainably across the Kingdom’s maintenance ecosystem.
Establishing an Accredited Advanced NDT Education Program
At the core of the agreement is the creation of an accredited education and professional development program delivered in Saudi Arabia. The curriculum is designed to provide advanced technician training in:
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methodologies
- Electrical systems degradation curves and failure mechanisms
- Environmental contributors to electrical degradation
- Intermittent fault failure modes and diagnostic strategies
- Advanced intermittent fault detection and isolation technologies
Training will incorporate hands-on use of Universal Synaptics’ proprietary diagnostic systems, including the Intermittent Fault Detection & Isolation System 2.0 (IFDIS 2.0™) and the Portable Intermittent Fault Detector (PIFD™)—technologies uniquely engineered to detect faults that occur only under dynamic or stress-induced conditions.
The program is structured to meet global best practices while being tailored to the operational realities, regulatory frameworks, and industrial priorities of Saudi Arabia. It combines technical instruction with leadership development, strategic maintenance planning, and innovative instructional delivery methods.
Supporting Saudization and Vision 2030 Objectives
A central pillar of the partnership is its alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Saudization policy and Vision 2030 roadmap. By delivering advanced technical education locally, the program supports the development of Saudi nationals into highly skilled maintenance professionals capable of supporting critical national infrastructure.
The initiative contributes directly to Vision 2030 goals by:
- Building in-country technical capability in aviation and high-reliability systems
- Reducing reliance on overseas maintenance expertise
- Enhancing operational reliability and asset availability
- Creating sustainable career pathways for Saudi technicians and engineers
- Strengthening local industrial participation in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing
The partnership reflects a broader shift within the Kingdom toward developing not just operational capacity, but deep technical mastery across strategic sectors.
Initial Focus on Aviation, With Multi-Sector Expansion Planned
The education and training programs will initially target Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) and aviation sustainment professionals, reflecting the aviation sector’s high sensitivity to intermittent electrical faults and the critical importance of reliability and safety.
However, the scope of the partnership extends well beyond aviation. Over time, the curriculum and diagnostic capabilities are expected to expand into other key electrical and electronics sustainment sectors across the Saudi economy, including:
- Defense and military platforms
- Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Transportation and rail systems
- Energy and critical infrastructure
This multi-sector approach positions the program as a foundational capability for Saudi Arabia’s broader industrial and technological ambitions.
Built on a Proven Working Relationship
The new agreement builds upon a long-standing collaboration between Universal Synaptics and GGAS Aviation Services. The two companies previously worked together to supply advanced Portable Intermittent Fault Detectors and training solutions to Riyadh Air, supporting the airline’s maintenance operations and reliability objectives.
This established relationship provided a strong foundation of trust, technical alignment, and operational understanding, enabling both organizations to scale their collaboration into a more comprehensive, strategic partnership centered on education and workforce development.
Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership
Naif Almatrafi, Chief Executive Officer of GGAS Aviation Services, emphasized the partnership’s role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s technical capabilities and supporting national priorities.
“At GGAS Aviation Services, we are honored to join forces with Universal Synaptics in advancing the Kingdom’s next generation of technical excellence,” Almatrafi said. “This partnership strengthens our mission to build world-class in-country capabilities across aviation, ground support equipment, tooling, and advanced maintenance systems. Together, we are contributing directly to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by empowering local talent, elevating operational reliability, and delivering innovative solutions that set new benchmarks for the region’s aerospace sector.”
Kenneth Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Synaptics, highlighted the shared vision underlying the collaboration.
“Universal Synaptics is proud to partner with GGAS and welcomes the opportunity to develop future multi-sector maintenance and sustainment leaders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Anderson said. “Our collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives by delivering world-class education, advanced training, and proven intermittent fault detection and isolation technologies.”
Universal Synaptics: Nearly Three Decades of Diagnostic Innovation
Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Ogden, Utah, Universal Synaptics Corporation has established itself as a pioneer in solving complex diagnostic and testing challenges associated with intermittent electrical faults. The company’s research identified that many NFF issues stem not from component defects detectable by conventional testers, but from transient failures that occur only under specific operational stresses.
This insight led to the development of patented diagnostic solutions, including:
- Portable Intermittent Fault Detector (PIFD™)
- Intermittent Fault Detection & Isolation System (IFDIS™)
- Intermittent Fault Detection & Isolation System 2.0 (IFDIS 2.0™)
These systems are designed to replicate real-world operational conditions, allowing faults to be detected, isolated, and addressed before they lead to repeated maintenance cycles or mission-impacting failures.
Universal Synaptics’ technologies are widely used across aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors where reliability is mission-critical.
GGAS Aviation Services: Strengthening Saudi Aerospace Capability
GGAS Aviation Services is a Saudi-based provider of aviation supply-chain and technical solutions dedicated exclusively to supporting the Kingdom’s aerospace, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and defense sectors.
Operating entirely within Saudi Arabia, GGAS supplies a comprehensive portfolio of high-reliability products and services, including:
- Aviation tooling and tool-control solutions
- Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
- Spare parts and logistics support
- Advanced diagnostic and intermittent fault detection systems
- UAV and aviation maintenance infrastructure
- Technical advisory and sustainment support
GGAS’ focus on in-country capability development aligns closely with national priorities to localize expertise, strengthen industrial resilience, and elevate Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional aerospace hub.
A Long-Term Vision for Technical Excellence
Beyond immediate training delivery, the Universal Synaptics–GGAS partnership reflects a long-term vision for embedding advanced diagnostic thinking into Saudi Arabia’s maintenance culture. By combining technology, education, and leadership development, the program aims to reduce chronic NFF issues, improve asset availability, and lower lifecycle costs across multiple sectors.
As aviation and industrial systems become increasingly complex and digitally integrated, the ability to detect and resolve intermittent faults will be a defining capability. Through this strategic partnership, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of advanced maintenance and sustainment practices—supported by world-class tools, local expertise, and a clear alignment with national development goals.
The collaboration between Universal Synaptics and GGAS Aviation Services stands as a compelling example of how global technology leaders and local industry champions can work together to deliver lasting impact, operational excellence, and workforce empowerment in support of Vision 2030.
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