AS9100

What is AS9100 quality management system?
AS9100 is the internationally recognized quality management standard specifically written for the aerospace industry; it is based on the ISO 9001 quality management system (QMS) standard. Compliance with specification is confirmed through a complex auditing and certification process.

This standard was published in October 1999 by the Society of Automotive Engineers and the European Association of Aerospace Industries. Its aim was to fulfill the need of a quality management system model that satisfies internal, government, and regulatory requirements applicable to the aerospace industry; something that ISO 9001 was never designed to do. AS9100 incorporates all the requirements of ISO 9001, in addition to unique quality and reliability needs of the aerospace industry.

The aerospace industry has high standards of customer satisfaction and strict laws imposed by regulatory authorities, therefore, the industry needs to produce and continuously improve products that meet these requirements. Unlike other quality management standards, which focus primarily on the final product, AS9100 focuses more on how the products are made. This standard establishes the elements that a quality management system must have in order for companies to consistently provide safe, quality products that are delivered on time.

The AS9100 series of quality standards adds over 100 requirements to the ISO 9001 standard that apply specifically to the aerospace industry, including the following:
Additional configuration management
Special risk management
Industry-critical items
Increased focus on timely delivery
Focus on product management
Approval process and scope for suppliers
Prevention of counterfeit parts