Aviation & Aerospace Quality Management Systems Standards

Aerospace, defence and the space industry are three of the most heavily regulated sectors around the globe. Unlike many industries where customer service and quality management systems are paramount, lives are at stake if these types of organisations do not achieve this sector’s version of ISO certification – referred to as AS STANDARDS.

While it does incorporate aspects of IS0 9001 Quality+, the AS series is adapted for the specific sectors listed above and covers risk management as well as quality.

The AS standard that you choose to strive for depends on which specific section of these industries your business operates in.

AS9100 Manufacturing

AS 9100 (sometimes incorrectly referred to as the unrelated ISO 9100) focuses on Manufacturing in the Aviation, Space and Defence industries. It focuses on ensuring that your products meet the requirements of your customers and of the industry and requires you to set up procedures for monitoring this. It includes the requirements covered in ISO 9001 Quality but has been adapted to include the requisite specifics related to your aviation, space or defence manufacturing industry sector.

Like all standards, it is internationally recognised and assists firms with continuous improvement to meet changing customer requirements, by setting in place monitoring procedures. Other benefits of AS 9100 include:

• The ability to track equipment throughout the supply chain
• Enhancing existing knowledge and processes
• Improved efficiency minimising wasted resource and budget
• Motivation of your workforce through their involvement in the certification process.

AS9110 Maintenance

Why maintaining standards is key

AS 9110 is the maintenance element of the aerospace quality management systems standards series. It focuses on ensuring that your services meet the requirements of your customers and the aviation industry and requires that you set up procedures for monitoring this. It also includes the requirements covered in ISO 9001 Quality but has been adapted to include the specifics related to maintenance requirements unique to the aviation maintenance industry. It should be treated as complementary to existing regulations, not as a replacement for them.

Because aerospace products are intended to last for decades due to the cost of their manufacture, AS 9110 is vital to prove the highest maintenance standards are in place at your organisation. Customers attaining this certification enjoy:

• A reduction in the risk of faults or missing faults caused by the maintenance process
• Improved performance against competitors, by proving you use cutting-edge maintenance techniques
• Happier customers leading to better results and a boost to your bottom line.

AS9120 Distribution

Demand the best process for your supply chain

AS 9120 is the standard for Distributors within the Aviation, Space and Defence industry sectors, covering distribution of items considered aerospace commodities, for example aeroplane components. This standard recognises the need for distributors to correctly handle and be able to trace these parts on their journey through the supply chain. It also includes the requirements covered in ISO 9001 Quality but has been adapted to include specifics related to the aviation, space and defence distribution industry. 

With AS 9120 in place, advantages include:

• Your customers will be secure in the knowledge that risks of their components being lost or damaged in transit have been significantly reduced
• Product safety and reliability are documented as front of mind for your operation, further comforting your customers
• Stock provided to customers can be tracked to preclude obsolescence becoming an issue
• Improved customer experience and satisfaction means better results for your business.

Due to the highly legislative nature of this industry, many established companies demand compliance in one of the AS 9100 Aerospace series from the businesses they buy from.

Many of our Qualitators are aviation industry experts and will guide you through the certification process (including providing advice on which certifier to choose), helping your business achieve the standard it needs to operate in this area.

ISO Aviation Industry

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