AS 9110 is an internationally recognized Quality Management System (QMS) standard developed specifically for aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It is part of the IAQG (International Aerospace Quality Group) standards family and is aligned with ISO 9001, while incorporating aviation-specific regulatory, safety, and reliability requirements.
Unlike generic quality standards, AS 9110 addresses the operational risks unique to aircraft maintenance, including airworthiness, component traceability, human factors, configuration control, and regulatory compliance with aviation authorities such as FAA, EASA, and national civil aviation bodies.
AS 9110 certification demonstrates that an organization can consistently perform safe, compliant, and traceable maintenance activities while meeting stringent aerospace customer and regulatory expectations.
Who Needs AS 9110 Certification?
AS 9110 is intended for organizations involved in maintenance and continuing airworthiness activities, including:
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Aircraft maintenance organizations (AMOs)
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MRO service providers
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Component repair and overhaul facilities
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Line and base maintenance providers
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Approved maintenance organizations supporting civil or defense aviation
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Organizations subcontracted for aircraft or component maintenance services
Many aerospace OEMs, airlines, and defense contractors require AS 9110 certification as a mandatory qualification for approved supplier or maintenance partner status.
Why AS 9110 Certification Is Critical for Aerospace MROs
Aircraft maintenance is a safety-critical activity where process failures can have direct operational and human consequences. AS 9110 is designed to mitigate these risks by enforcing structured controls over:
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Maintenance planning and execution
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Technician competency and authorization
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Tooling, calibration, and equipment control
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Airworthiness records and traceability
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Human factors and error prevention
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Configuration management of aircraft and components
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Compliance with aviation regulations and customer requirements
Certification provides objective assurance that maintenance activities are repeatable, auditable, and compliant, not dependent on individual discretion or informal practices.
Scope of AS 9110 Consultancy Services
AS 9110 consultancy involves more than documentation. It requires deep alignment between regulatory obligations, operational workflows, and quality controls. A structured consultancy engagement typically covers the following:
Gap Analysis and Readiness Assessment
A detailed evaluation of existing maintenance processes against AS 9110 clauses is performed. This identifies compliance gaps related to documentation, process control, records, training, risk management, and regulatory alignment. The assessment forms the foundation of a realistic and prioritized implementation roadmap.
QMS Design and Documentation Development
Aviation-specific procedures, manuals, and records are developed or restructured to meet AS 9110 requirements. This includes maintenance procedures, work instructions, inspection controls, corrective action systems, risk registers, and document control mechanisms that align with real operational practices.
Regulatory and Airworthiness Alignment
AS 9110 must coexist with aviation authority approvals (FAA, EASA, DGCA, etc.). Consultancy ensures that QMS processes are aligned with regulatory frameworks without duplication or conflict, maintaining a single, integrated compliance system.
Training and Competency Frameworks
Personnel competence is central to AS 9110. Consultancy includes defining training matrices, authorization controls, human-factors awareness, and role-based responsibilities to ensure technicians and inspectors meet both quality and regulatory expectations.
Internal Audits and Management Reviews
Internal audit programs are established to test QMS effectiveness before certification. Management review frameworks are implemented to ensure leadership oversight of safety, performance trends, nonconformities, and improvement actions.
Certification Support and Audit Closure
End-to-end support is provided during Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification audits, including audit preparation, response to nonconformities, corrective action planning, and closure support until certification is achieved.
Benefits of AS 9110 Certification
AS 9110 certification delivers both operational discipline and commercial credibility, including:
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Improved maintenance safety and reliability
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Stronger control over airworthiness records and traceability
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Reduced operational risk and human-error exposure
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Increased acceptance by airlines, OEMs, and defense customers
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Eligibility for aerospace-approved supplier and MRO lists
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Structured continuous improvement culture
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Better regulatory confidence and audit readiness
Why Choose Global Quality Services?
Global Quality Services provides AS 9110 consultancy with a practical, aviation-focused approach rather than a generic quality template model. Our consultants understand the realities of MRO operations, regulatory audits, and aircraft maintenance workflows. We focus on building systems that work on the hangar floor, not just on paper.
We guide organizations through every stage of AS 9110 implementation, ensuring alignment with aviation authority approvals, operational realities, and customer expectations. Our approach minimizes disruption, avoids over-documentation, and emphasizes sustainable compliance that supports safety, efficiency, and long-term certification success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is AS 9110 mandatory for aircraft maintenance organizations?
AS 9110 is not legally mandatory in all jurisdictions, but it is often required by aerospace customers, airlines, OEMs, and defense contracts. Many organizations pursue certification to meet supplier qualification requirements.
2. How is AS 9110 different from ISO 9001?
ISO 9001 is a generic quality standard. AS 9110 includes all ISO 9001 requirements plus aviation-specific controls related to airworthiness, maintenance safety, regulatory compliance, and human factors.
3. How long does AS 9110 certification take?
The timeline typically ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on organizational size, complexity of maintenance activities, and existing compliance maturity.
4. Does AS 9110 replace aviation authority approvals like FAA or EASA?
No. AS 9110 complements aviation authority approvals. It strengthens internal quality systems but does not replace regulatory certification or licensing requirements.
5. Can small or independent MROs achieve AS 9110 certification?
Yes. AS 9110 is scalable and applicable to both large and small maintenance organizations, provided the QMS is designed proportionately and aligned with actual operations.