AS9100 vs ISO 9001: What Aerospace Companies Need to Know
Understanding the key differences between AS9100 and ISO 9001, and why aerospace companies need the specialized aerospace quality standard.
Introduction to Aerospace Quality Standards
When it comes to quality management in the aerospace industry, the choice between AS9100 and ISO 9001 is not merely academic—it can determine whether your company wins contracts or gets shut out of the supply chain entirely.
Both standards share the same DNA, with AS9100 building upon the ISO 9001 foundation. However, the aerospace-specific additions make a critical difference in addressing the unique demands of aviation, space, and defense manufacturing.
Understanding ISO 9001: The Foundation
ISO 9001 is the internationally recognized standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). It provides a framework for organizations to consistently deliver products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. The standard emphasizes:
- Customer focus and satisfaction
- Process-oriented approach
- Risk-based thinking
- Continual improvement
Over one million organizations worldwide are ISO 9001 certified, making it the most widely adopted management system standard.
AS9100: The Aerospace Extension
AS9100 takes ISO 9001 and adds over 100 additional requirements specific to the aerospace industry. Developed by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG), it addresses the unique challenges of manufacturing products where failure is not an option.
Key AS9100-Specific Requirements
Product Safety: Explicit clauses addressing safety considerations throughout the product lifecycle. Aerospace products must perform reliably in extreme conditions where failure could be catastrophic.
Counterfeit Parts Prevention: Requirements to mitigate the risk of fraudulent or counterfeit parts entering the supply chain—a critical concern given the safety implications.
Risk Management: Expanded requirements for operational risk management beyond ISO 9001's risk-based thinking approach.
Human Factors: Consideration of human factors (fatigue, stress, cognitive load) during root cause analysis for nonconformities.
Configuration Management: Stricter controls to manage and document product design and production changes.
Supply Chain Management: Rigorous supplier management requirements to ensure quality throughout the supply chain.
Why Aerospace Companies Need AS9100
For aerospace companies, AS9100 certification isn't just recommended—it's often mandatory. Here's why:
1. Market Access: Major OEMs like Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon require AS9100 certification from their suppliers. Without it, you simply won't be considered for contracts.
2. OASIS Database Listing: Certified companies are listed in the Online Aerospace Supplier Information System (OASIS) database, making them discoverable by potential customers worldwide.
3. Safety Requirements: The aerospace-specific additions directly address the safety-critical nature of aerospace products.
4. Competitive Advantage: AS9100 certification demonstrates a higher level of commitment to quality than ISO 9001 alone.
Making the Right Choice
If your company manufactures products or provides services for the aerospace industry, AS9100 is the clear choice. The additional requirements, while more demanding, directly address the needs of an industry where quality literally saves lives.
For organizations outside aerospace, ISO 9001 provides an excellent foundation for quality management. Many companies start with ISO 9001 and add AS9100 when they enter the aerospace market.
Next Steps
Ready to pursue AS9100 certification? Contact Exceleor for a free consultation. Our certified AS9100 Lead Auditors bring real-world auditing experience to ensure your implementation is practical, efficient, and audit-ready.