AS9100 vs AS9110: Key Differences in Aerospace QMS

In the precision-demanding aerospace industry, quality management systems serve as the backbone for ensuring safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. Two critical standards frequently discussed among aerospace professionals are AS9100 and AS9110. While both belong to the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) family of standards, they serve distinctly different sectors within the aerospace supply chain. Understanding the nuances between AS9100 and AS9110 is essential for operations managers, compliance officers, and quality assurance professionals seeking to implement the correct quality management framework for their organizations.

According to SimpleQuE's aerospace certification data, as of May 2023, there are 21,457 AS9100 certifications worldwide, demonstrating its widespread adoption in aerospace manufacturing. Meanwhile, AS9110 holds 882 certifications globally, reflecting its specialized focus on maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. These statistics highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate standard based on your organization's core business activities.

Introduction to AS9100 and AS9110 Aerospace Standards

The aerospace industry operates under some of the most stringent quality requirements globally, where even minor defects can have catastrophic consequences. Both AS9100 and AS9110 build upon the ISO 9001:2015 foundation while incorporating aerospace-specific requirements that address the unique challenges of aviation, space, and defense sectors. Understanding these quality management frameworks in aerospace is essential for maintaining a competitive advantage.

The International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) developed these standards to create unified quality management systems across the aerospace supply chain. This standardization eliminates the confusion that previously existed with company-specific requirements, such as Boeing's D1-9000 or automotive Q standards, creating a cohesive approach to aerospace quality management.

What Is AS9100? Aerospace Quality Management for Manufacturers

AS9100 is the international standard for aerospace quality management systems, specifically designed for organizations involved in the design, development, production, and distribution of aerospace products. AS9100 was developed in March 1999 by the Society of Automotive Engineers to provide continual improvement, emphasizing defect prevention and the reduction of variation and waste in the aerospace industry supply chain.

The current AS9100D standard incorporates ISO 9001:2015 and is commonly described as adding 100+ aerospace-specific requirements tailored to aviation, space, and defense risks. These additional elements focus on critical aerospace concerns, including:

Product Safety Requirements: AS9100 includes comprehensive product safety clauses that mandate organizations to identify and manage safety-critical items throughout the product lifecycle. This includes implementing design controls that prevent safety hazards from reaching end users.

Counterfeit Parts Prevention: The standard requires robust systems to detect and prevent counterfeit parts from entering the supply chain, a critical concern given the safety implications in aerospace applications.

Risk Management: AS9100 emphasizes operational risk management, requiring organizations to identify, assess, and mitigate risks across all business processes, from design through post-delivery support.

Configuration Management: Enhanced configuration management requirements ensure proper control of design changes and product variations throughout the development and production phases.

Major aerospace OEMs and prime contractors commonly flow down 9100-series quality requirements contractually (e.g., AS9100, AS9110, AS9120, or ISO 9001, depending on scope), and often expect accredited certification for applicable supplier activities.

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What Is AS9110? Quality Management for Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO)

AS9110 is a specialized quality management standard tailored specifically for organizations providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul services in the aerospace industry. AS9110 is based on ISO 9001 but includes nearly 100 additional requirements specific to the aerospace MRO industry.

The standard was published in January 2003 when the aerospace industry recognized that maintenance organizations faced unique quality challenges different from those encountered by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). AS9110 addresses these specialized requirements through enhanced focus on:

Maintenance Process Control: The standard mandates detailed guidelines for planning, executing, and documenting maintenance activities to ensure airworthiness and regulatory compliance throughout the aircraft lifecycle.

Technical Data Management: AS9110 requires strict control over technical documentation, ensuring maintenance personnel have access to current, accurate procedures and specifications for all maintenance tasks.

Personnel Competency: Enhanced requirements ensure maintenance personnel possess the necessary skills, qualifications, and training to perform their tasks effectively, including specific provisions for human factors consideration.

Regulatory Compliance: The standard emphasizes meeting legal and regulatory requirements specific to maintenance organizations, including Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 43 & 145 compliance.

Work Verification Processes: AS9110 includes specific requirements for verifying completed maintenance work, ensuring all activities meet safety and airworthiness standards before aircraft return to service.

According to Oliver Wyman’s, 2025–2035 Global Fleet and MRO Market Forecast, materials indicate a global commercial fleet of just over 29,000 aircraft at the start of 2025, projected to grow to approximately 38,300 aircraft by 2035.

Core Differences Explained Between AS9100 vs AS9110

While both standards share the ISO 9001:2015 foundation, key differences reflect their operational focuses:

Scope: AS9100 covers the entire product lifecycle from design through distribution. AS9110 focuses on post-production maintenance and repair activities.

Risk Areas: AS9100 emphasizes design risks, manufacturing defects, and supply chain vulnerabilities. AS9110 concentrates on maintenance-induced risks, human factors, and continued airworthiness.

Documentation: AS9110 places particular emphasis on maintenance records, technical data control, and work verification supporting regulatory compliance.

Personnel: AS9100 requires design and manufacturing competencies. AS9110 mandates maintenance competencies, including regulatory certifications and ongoing training.

Customer Interface: AS9100 organizations serve manufacturers and defense contractors. AS9110 organizations serve airlines, aircraft operators, and maintenance end users.

AS9100 and AS9110 Scope, Who Should Use Which Standard?

AS9100 is appropriate for:

• Aerospace component manufacturers and suppliers
• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
• Design and development organizations
• Parts distributors and stockists (when combined with AS9120)
• Organizations seeking to enter aerospace manufacturing

AS9110 is appropriate for:

• FAA Part 145 certified repair stations
• Military maintenance depots and facilities
• Airline maintenance operations
• Independent MRO service providers
• Organizations manufacturing parts under Parts Manufacturing Approval (PMA)
• Any organization whose primary business involves maintaining, repairing, or overhauling aerospace products

AS9110 ensures maintenance providers follow strict processes that improve reliability, reduce errors, and maintain aviation safety through enhanced focus on aircraft maintenance operations.

Benefits of AS9100 and AS9110 for Aerospace Organizations

Both standards deliver significant organizational benefits aligned with their operational focuses.

Shared Benefits:

• Market Access: Certification opens doors to global aerospace markets as major manufacturers increasingly require certified suppliers
• Risk Reduction: Both standards emphasize proactive risk management, helping identify issues before they impact safety
• Process Standardization: Implementation leads to consistent, repeatable processes, reducing variability
• Regulatory Alignment: Helps maintain compliance with aerospace regulations and customer requirements
• Competitive Advantage: Demonstrates commitment to aerospace quality standards

AS9100 Specific Benefits:

According to the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) official documentation, AS9100 certification helps organizations improve quality, cost, and delivery performance through the reduction of organization-unique requirements and the effective implementation of quality management systems.

• Supply Chain Integration: Facilitates seamless integration into aerospace supply chains
• Product Safety Assurance: Enhanced safety requirements prevent defects from reaching customers
• Design Control: Robust controls ensure products meet requirements from concept through production

AS9110 Specific Benefits:

• Maintenance Excellence: Achieves higher maintenance quality through standardized processes
• Regulatory Confidence: Provides a framework for aviation authority compliance
• Customer Trust: Airlines gain confidence in certified MRO providers
• Operational Efficiency: Reduces errors, rework, and delays

For organizations enhancing aerospace quality capabilities, BPR Hub's quality metrics for aerospace and defense provide insights into measuring performance.

AS9110 vs AS9100 Certification Requirements Compared

Both standards follow similar certification processes with specific requirements reflecting their operational focuses.

Common Elements:

• Documentation Review: Comprehensive quality management system documentation aligned with requirements
• Implementation Period: Typically 6-18 months, depending on organization size and quality maturity
• Audit Process: Two-stage audits by accredited bodies, followed by annual surveillance audits
• Continuous Improvement: Ongoing improvement through management review, internal audits, and corrective actions

AS9100 Specifics:

• Design Controls: Effective design and development processes, including reviews, verification, and validation
• Supply Chain Management: Comprehensive supplier evaluation and monitoring systems
• Production Controls: Manufacturing process controls, including statistical process control, where applicable

AS9110 Specifics:

• Maintenance Procedures: Detailed procedures aligned with regulatory requirements and manufacturer specifications
• Personnel Qualifications: Appropriate certifications and demonstrated competency through training
• Work Control: Robust planning, execution, and verification processes ensuring maintenance quality
• Regulatory Compliance: Ongoing compliance with aviation authority regulations, including Part 145 requirements

Organizations certified to either standard are listed in the Online Aerospace Supplier Information System (OASIS) database, providing global visibility.

AS9100 vs AS9110: Which Aerospace Standard Is Right for You?

Choose AS9100 when your organization:

• Designs, develops, or manufactures aerospace products
• Supplies components to aerospace manufacturers
• Provides engineering services supporting development
• Seeks to establish aerospace manufacturing capabilities

Choose AS9110 when your organization:

• Provides maintenance, repair, or overhaul services
• Operates as an FAA Part 145 repair station
• Manufactures parts under Parts Manufacturing Approval (PMA)
• Serves airlines, aircraft operators, or military maintenance

Consider Both Standards when your organization:

• Operates manufacturing and maintenance divisions
• Provides comprehensive lifecycle support
• Serves diverse customer bases

For implementation guidance, BPR Hub's ISO audit checklist provides audit preparation best practices.

How BPR Hub Enhances Aerospace Quality Management Implementation

BPR Hub's AI QCG specializes in aerospace AS9100 and AS9110 compliance through intelligent automation:

AI-Powered Compliance: Built-in intelligence for AS9100, AS9110, and compliance with continuous monitoring.

Predictive Risk Assessment: Analytics identify quality escapes, delays, and issues before impact.

Automated Documentation: Intelligent management ensures procedures, quality manuals, and certifications stay current.

Supplier Monitoring: Real-time performance tracking with automated risk scoring.

Audit Preparation: Comprehensive support with AI-powered compliance scoring and assessments.

BPR Hub's AI QCG methodology ensures successful compliance while reducing effort.

Get AS9100 or AS9110 certified faster with BPR Hub. Book your BPR Hub demo today.

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Key Takeaways

→ AS9100 focuses on aerospace manufacturing and design, while AS9110 specifically addresses maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations

→ Both standards build upon ISO 9001:2015 but include approximately 55-100 additional aerospace-specific requirements tailored to their operational focuses

→ AS9100 has significantly broader adoption with 21,457 global certifications compared to AS9110's 882 certifications, reflecting the different market sizes

→ Selection depends entirely on primary business activities - manufacturers need AS9100, while MRO providers require AS9110

→ Both standards provide market access and a competitive advantage in the aerospace industry, with major manufacturers requiring supplier certification

→ Implementation typically takes 6-18 months with ongoing annual surveillance audits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between AS9100 and AS9110? 

AS9100 targets aerospace manufacturers involved in design, development, and production. AS9110 focuses specifically on maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. The key distinction is operational focus - manufacturing versus maintenance.

Can an organization be certified to both standards? 

Yes, organizations with both manufacturing and maintenance operations can pursue dual certification. This is common for companies providing comprehensive lifecycle support.

How long does certification take? 

Implementation typically takes 6-18 months, depending on organization size and existing quality maturity. This includes documentation, implementation, and two-stage certification audits.

Are these certifications mandatory? 

While not legally required, they're increasingly essential for aerospace industry participation. Major manufacturers require supplier certification for business relationships.

What are the ongoing requirements after certification? 

Both standards require annual surveillance audits and recertification every three years, plus continuous quality system maintenance and improvement.

How do AS9100 and AS9110 relate to other aerospace standards? 

Both are part of the AS9100 series managed by IAQG. AS9120 addresses distributors and stockists, while all share ISO 9001:2015 foundations with aerospace-specific additions.

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