AS 9100 – Quality Management System for Aviation, Space, and Defense

1. Definition

AS 9100 is an internationally recognized Quality Management System (QMS) standard for the aviation, space, and defense (AS&D) industries.
It is based on ISO 9001:2015, with additional requirements specific to aerospace safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

Developed by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG), AS 9100 is the cornerstone of the Aerospace Quality Management System (AQMS) and is required by major aerospace manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Rolls-Royce.

2. Purpose and Scope

The objectives of AS 9100 are to:

• Ensure the safety, reliability, and traceability of aerospace products and services.

• Improve process efficiency, documentation, and risk control in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance.

• Enhance customer satisfaction and compliance with regulatory authorities (e.g., FAA, EASA, DoD).

• Support standardization and interoperability across the global aerospace supply chain.

Applicable to all organizations involved in design, development, production, installation, or servicing of aerospace products.

3. Structure and Requirements

AS 9100 adopts the Annex SL structure of ISO 9001, with additional aerospace-specific clauses addressing:

• Product Safety and Airworthiness

• Counterfeit Part Prevention

• Configuration Management

• Risk Management and Operational Control

• Human Factors Consideration

• Verification and Validation Requirements

• Supplier Chain Management and Flow-down Requirements

• Nonconformity Control and Corrective Actions

4. Benefits

For Aerospace Organizations

• Demonstrates compliance with global aerospace quality standards.

• Improves process discipline, safety, and reliability.

• Enables supplier qualification under IAQG’s OASIS database.

• Facilitates entry into international aerospace markets.

For Customers and Regulators

• Provides confidence in safety and conformity of aerospace products.

• Ensures traceability, documentation, and quality control across supply chains.

5. Integration and Certification

AS 9100 is compatible with:

• ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems.

• ISO 27001:2022 – Information Security.

• ISO 45001:2018 – Health and Safety.

Certification to AS 9100 is conducted by accredited aerospace certification bodies under IAQG oversight.

6. Conclusion

AS 9100 is the benchmark for quality and safety in the aerospace sector, combining ISO 9001 principles with industry-specific requirements.
It ensures that every component, process, and system in the aerospace value chain adheres to the highest levels of safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.