AS9100 / AS9100D

The standard for organizations that design, develop, or provide aviation, space, and defense products and services.

The aerospace industry has unique requirements for quality management, which is why many companies that deliver products and services within the aviation, space and defense spheres work to earn AS9100 certification. This standard sets quality management system requirements with the challenges of the aerospace industry in mind.

At Saara, we perform certification audits for AS9100 and related standards. Learn more about what AS9100 certification is and who it can benefit below.

What Is EN9100:2018/AS9100D?

EN9100:2018 — also called AS9100D or AS9100 — is the most recent standard for organizations that design, develop or provide aviation, space and defense products and services, including parts, components and assemblies. The standard was prepared by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) with the help of representatives from aviation, space and defense companies in the Americas, Asia/Pacific and Europe.

Like past versions of AS9100, EN9100:2018 standardizes quality management system requirements for companies involved with the aerospace industry and supply chain. The standard does so by building off general ISO 9001 standards for quality management systems, adding industry-specific guidelines for the safe development, production and distribution of quality aerospace parts and products.

AS9100 certification can be achieved by all levels of the supply chain by organizations around the world to improve quality, cost and delivery performance. This is accomplished through the reduction or elimination of organization-unique requirements, effective implementation of the quality management system and wider application of good business practices.

In addition to AS9100, which is a general aerospace industry standard, the IAQG has also created two more specific aerospace management standards: AS9110 and AS9120. The former, Aerospace Management Systems for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Stations, adds additional requirements to AS9100 relating to the maintenance of commercial, private and military aircraft. The latter, Aerospace Management Systems for Stockist Distributors, adds requirements for the sourcing and production of aerospace components and materials. Saara can assess compliance with AS9100, AS9110 and AS9120.

Because AS9100 certification helps ensure an organization has adequate quality management systems in place, many aerospace manufacturers and suppliers will work only with certified partners. As a result, AS9100 certification is important for any aerospace-related company to consider.

Who Does This Standard Apply To?

Because AS9100 is an industry-specific quality management system standard, it’s mainly used by companies that provide products and services for the defense, space and aviation industries. The AS9100D standard applies to any organization that works in the aerospace industry or with partners in the aerospace industry, including:

  • Manufacturers of aircraft components and materials
  • Designers of aerospace parts and assemblies
  • Quality management organizations working with aerospace manufacturers
  • Other companies working in the aerospace industry regularly or irregularly

Though not required by law, AS9100 certification is often required for effective participation in the aviation, space and defense businesses. Certification to AS9100 standards can give you access to large OEMs and other parts of the supply chain.