AS9100 Certification

what is the AS9100 standard?

The AS9100 standard is a quality management system for the aerospace industry. It builds on ISO 9001 and adds requirements for aviation, space, and defense organizations. AS9100 ensures product safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement, making it the global benchmark for aerospace suppliers. 

Want to ensure the safety of your parts, systems and services? Contact our experts to find out how we can help you. 

Published by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG), the AS/EN 91XX standards unify various competing quality documentation and requirements to a standardized benchmark.

The standards cover, but are not limited to:

• Configuration management
• Project management
• Risk management
• Special processes
• Control of work performed outside the supplier’s activities

Additions to note in AS9100 that are not included in ISO 9001

• Production and Service Provision:

  This topic has the most additions in AS9100, due to it being specific to the aerospace industry. These changes include production processes, as well as required controls on production equipment and post-delivery support.

• Planning for Product Realization:

  AS9100 has additional requirements pertaining to project, risk, and configuration management of the products and control of work transfers. Risk identification and assessment are also detailed throughout the standard since risk is critical to the aerospace industry.

• Design and Development:

  There are additional requirements for the design verification and validation processes pertaining to proper testing and documentation.

• Purchasing and Purchased Product:

  This section includes additional requirements for supplier control.

• Non-Conforming Processes:

  AS9100 delves deeper into how an organization must address non-conformance when identified, including what corrective action needs to be taken.

Why is AS9100 Important?

AS9100 is important because it sets the global quality standard for aerospace manufacturing. It ensures product safety, reliability, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Certification improves supplier credibility, enhances customer trust, reduces risks in production, and streamlines processes, making it critical for aerospace industry success.

Why AS9100 certification is important 

Within the aviation, space and defense (ASD) industry, maintaining high safety levels is a principal challenge. Even the smallest flaws in products or services can have fatal consequences. This has created high expectations for quality, safety and reliability of parts, systems and services, which your company must achieve across the entire ASD supply chain. 

The AS9100, AS9110 and AS9120 series of standards is fast becoming a requirement for all major aerospace manufacturers. Global airplane manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, Rolls Royce and Pratt & Whitney view the series as a key factor during the selection and evaluation of suppliers. Every organization working in the ASD industry must therefore demonstrate its commitment to quality and reliability. 

AS9100 is crucial in the aerospace industry for several reasons including: 

Quality Management
AS9100 sets stringent guidelines for implementing a Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring that products and services meet high standards of safety, reliability, and efficiency.

Industry-Specific Requirements
It builds on the ISO 9001 standard but includes additional requirements tailored specifically for the aerospace sector, addressing unique regulatory and safety needs. 

Risk Mitigation
Adhering to AS9100 helps organizations identify and mitigate risks, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. 

What does AS9100 monitor? 

AS9100 monitors quality management systems in the aerospace industry. It tracks processes such as design, development, production, installation, and servicing of aerospace products. The standard monitors compliance with safety, reliability, and regulatory requirements to ensure consistent product quality and customer satisfaction. 

It monitors: 

• product function and design throughout their entire service life 
• traceability of raw materials, processes, tools, personnel involved 
• definition of safety and function in line with customer and regulatory requirements 
• risk analysis and assessment of new technologies 

Benefits of AS9100 Certification 

Global recognition as a reputable supplier: AS9100 certification is internationally recognized and widely accepted across supply chains, establishing the benchmark for supplier selection. 

Increased market access: Many aerospace companies (including Boeing, Airbus, Rolls Royce and Pratt & Whitney) and government agencies require AS9100 certification from their suppliers, so it’s essential for doing business in the sector. 

Competitive edge for bids and tenders: In the aerospace sector, where contracts are tightly regulated, AS9100 certification demonstrates robust processes and consistent quality which could be the deciding factor in bids and tenders. 

Improved stakeholder relationships: Improve the perception of your organization with staff, customers and suppliers.  

Increased customer satisfaction: Deliver products and services that consistently meet customer requirements that they can depend on.  

Reduced operating costs: Save money through continual improvement of processes and resulting operational efficiencies  

Added to the OASIS supplier database: All AS9100-certified companies are listed in the IAQG Online Aerospace Supplier Information System (OASIS) which acts as a supplier database for aerospace organizations and an effective marketing tool for your company.

“Working in AS9100 certification, I’ve seen how much it helps organizations in the aerospace sector strengthen their processes. Clients often tell us that beyond meeting industry requirements, the certification improves efficiency, consistency, and customer confidence. It’s a clear way to demonstrate commitment to quality and stand out in a highly regulated industry. At TÜV SÜD America, we will partner with you at every stage of the process, from quoting, scheduling, auditing to certification, and support you throughout the certification cycle. ” 

John Stevens, Aerospace Program Manager, TÜV SÜD America

other Common aerospace quality management system standards 

In addition to AS9100, the primary aerospace quality management standards currently in use include: