{"id":11970,"date":"2025-09-03T09:29:52","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T08:29:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/amtivo.com\/us\/?post_type=resources-filter&p=11970"},"modified":"2026-01-20T23:02:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T23:02:49","slug":"from-iso-9001-to-as9100-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"resources-filter","link":"https:\/\/amtivo.com\/us\/resources\/insights\/from-iso-9001-to-as9100-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"From ISO 9001 to AS9100: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Does My Business Need Both ISO 9001 and<\/em> ISO AS9100?<\/h2>\r\n

In the aerospace industry, having a strong Quality Management System (QMS) is crucial. A robust QMS certified to ISO 9001<\/a> can help deliver safe, reliable products and services that meet strict industry standards.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

However, QMS certification isn\u2019t just about compliance. Having the right certification can make a big difference to your business. It can open doors to new business opportunities and help demonstrate your commitment to excellence.<\/p>\r\n

For aerospace manufacturers and suppliers, understanding how the quality management standards ISO 9001 and AS9100<\/a> work together can provide a strategic advantage that can help their company grow.<\/p>\r\n

Over 26,800 ISO 9001 certifications<\/a> have been awarded in the US, indicating its popularity across various industries. But if you\u2019re in the aerospace industry, you might wonder whether you need both ISO 9001 and AS9100.<\/p>\r\n

According to the Online Aerospace Supplier Information System (OASIS), there are over 10,000 AS9100-certified sites in the US, as of June 30, 2025. With many aerospace prime contractors now requiring AS9100 certification from their suppliers, this expectation is likely to become even more widespread.<\/p>\r\n

“While AS9100 certification isn\u2019t a formal requirement in every case, we\u2019re seeing it become a key differentiator,<\/em>\u201d says Tom Droog, Aerospace and Automotive Scheme Manager at Amtivo. \u201cHolding the certification can signal to aerospace customers that your business meets the highest quality and safety standards\u2014and that can influence supplier selection.<\/em>“<\/p>\r\n

As the market leader in aerospace certification in the US, Amtivo can help. Read on to learn more about both standards, their differences, and whether having both can benefit your business.<\/p>\r\n

\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n

What Is ISO 9001?<\/h2>\r\n

ISO 9001<\/a> is the world\u2019s most widely adopted quality management system <\/a>standard. It helps organizations deliver consistent product and service quality while meeting customer and regulatory requirements.<\/p>\r\n

ISO 9001 is relevant to businesses of any size and industry. For companies in the aerospace industry, ISO 9001 could be considered a good first step before progressing to AS9100<\/a> certification.<\/p>\r\n

While the ISO 9001 standard is valuable across all industries, it doesn\u2019t address industry-specific requirements. This is where specialized standards like AS9100 come into play.<\/p>\r\n

\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n

What Is AS9100?<\/h2>\r\n

AS9100<\/a> is an internationally recognized quality management system standard specifically designed for the aerospace industry. Governed by the International Aerospace Quality Group<\/a> (IAQG), AS9100 builds upon ISO 9001 by adding requirements that address the complexities and risks unique to aerospace manufacturing and supply chains.<\/p>\r\n

\u201cThink of AS9100 as ISO 9001, plus aerospace-specific requirements,<\/em>\u201d explains Tom Droog. \u201cIt includes everything in ISO 9001, then adds layers of requirements that address the unique challenges of aerospace production, like configuration management, risk management, and product safety.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\r\n

While AS9100 isn\u2019t technically mandatory, it has become a de facto<\/em> requirement for doing business with major aerospace manufacturers like Boeing<\/a>, NASA<\/a>, Lockheed Martin<\/a>, Honeywell<\/a>, and Northrop Grumman<\/a>. Many of these prime contractors will only consider suppliers with AS9100 certification, making it essential for companies looking to enter or expand within the aerospace supply chain.<\/p>\r\n

\"From<\/a><\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n

The Relationship Between ISO 9001 and AS9100<\/h2>\r\n

Here\u2019s the critical point that many businesses overlook: AS9100 fully incorporates ISO 9001. This means that when your organization achieves AS9100 certification<\/a>, you\u2019re simultaneously meeting the requirements of ISO 9001.<\/p>\r\n

AS9100 enhances the foundational quality management system requirements of ISO 9001 with additional requirements specific to aerospace. Both standards share the same high-level structure, making integration straightforward.<\/p>\r\n

That means, if your aerospace business already has ISO 9001, you\u2019re ready to move towards AS9100<\/a>. In fact, you\u2019re already more than halfway there.<\/p>\r\n

Getting AS9100-certified can help you win more business as a supplier in the aerospace industry.<\/p>\r\n

\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n

What Are the Differences Between Them?<\/h2>\r\n

ISO 9001 and AS9100 are both quality management system standards, but differ slightly in scope and focus.<\/p>\r\n

ISO 9001 works for any type of business in any industry. It focuses on customer satisfaction, leadership and continual improvement.<\/p>\r\n

AS9100 is specifically for aerospace companies. It includes everything from ISO 9001 plus extra requirements. These cover risk management, controlling product specifications and product safety, which are key for aerospace safety and quality.<\/p>\r\n

Here are the key differences between ISO 9001 and AS9100:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n

Aspect<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

\r\n

ISO 9001<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

\r\n

AS9100<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n

\r\n

Scope<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

\r\n

Applicable to any industry.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

Specific to the aerospace industry.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

\r\n

Focus<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

\r\n

Focuses on customer satisfaction, leadership, and continual improvement.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

Includes ISO 9001 focus plus additional aerospace-specific needs.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

\r\n

Additional Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

\r\n

None specific beyond ISO 9001.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

Adds configuration management, risk management, and product realization for aerospace.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

\r\n

Industry Need<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

\r\n

Suitable for general industries.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

Essential for compliance and reliability in aerospace manufacturing and services.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

\r\n

Pathway for Certification<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

\r\n

Provides a foundation for quality management.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

Offers a pathway to achieve both general and aerospace-specific quality standards.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

\r\n

Adoption Process<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

\r\n

Straightforward for most industries.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

Requires adopting additional requirements for those moving from ISO 9001 to excel in aerospace.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

Read our full guide to the differences between ISO 9001 and AS9100<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n

Which AS9100 Clauses Are the Same As ISO 9001?<\/h2>\r\n

AS9100 maintains the same clause structure as ISO 9001, with both standards organized around these key sections.<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n\t
  1. Scope<\/li>\r\n\t
  2. Normative references<\/li>\r\n\t
  3. Terms and definitions<\/li>\r\n\t
  4. Context of the organization<\/li>\r\n\t
  5. Leadership<\/li>\r\n\t
  6. Planning<\/li>\r\n\t
  7. Support<\/li>\r\n\t
  8. Operation<\/li>\r\n\t
  9. Performance evaluation<\/li>\r\n\t
  10. Improvement<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    Within these clauses, the core requirements of ISO 9001 remain intact in AS9100. If you\u2019re already ISO 9001-certified, you\u2019ve already implemented and demonstrated compliance with a significant portion of AS9100\u2019s requirements.<\/p>\r\n

    \u00a0<\/h2>\r\n

    What Are the Additional Requirements of AS9100?<\/h2>\r\n

    AS9100 builds upon ISO 9001 by adding aerospace-specific requirements throughout the standard.<\/p>\r\n

    Some of the key additions include:<\/p>\r\n

    Product safety<\/h3>\r\n

    AS9100 adds requirements for managing product safety throughout the product lifecycle, including identifying critical items and implementing special controls.<\/p>\r\n

    Prevention of counterfeit parts<\/h3>\r\n

    With counterfeit parts posing a significant risk in aerospace, AS9100 requires processes to prevent the use of counterfeit or suspect counterfeit parts.<\/p>\r\n

    Configuration management<\/h3>\r\n

    AS9100 requires a more robust configuration management approach, including identifying and controlling physical and functional attributes throughout the product lifecycle.<\/p>\r\n

    Risk management<\/h3>\r\n

    While ISO 9001 includes risk-based thinking, AS9100 requires a more formalized approach to risk management across all business processes.<\/p>\r\n

    Special requirements and critical items<\/h3>\r\n

    AS9100 adds requirements for identifying and managing special requirements, critical items, and key characteristics.<\/p>\r\n

    Product realization<\/h3>\r\n

    AS9100 expands on product realization processes, requiring more detailed planning and control over product design and development. This includes thoroughly understanding customer requirements and checking that all products meet them.<\/p>\r\n

    Awareness<\/h3>\r\n

    AS9100 expands awareness requirements to include product safety, ethical behavior, and the importance of individual contribution to quality.<\/p>\r\n

    \u00a0<\/h2>\r\n

    Path 1: Transitioning to AS9100 From ISO 9001<\/h2>\r\n

    If your organization is already ISO 9001-certified, you\u2019re in an excellent position to pursue AS9100 certification.<\/p>\r\n

    \u201cMany organizations are surprised by how much of their existing ISO 9001 system directly transfers to AS9100,\u201d <\/em>notes Tom Droog. \u201cThe key is understanding the additional aerospace requirements and how they build upon your existing quality management system.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\r\n

    Here\u2019s the typical transition process:<\/p>\r\n

    1. Understand the AS9100 requirements<\/h3>\r\n

    It\u2019s best to start by thoroughly understanding the additional requirements of AS9100, like risk management<\/strong> and configuration management<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

    This may mean obtaining a copy of the standard and potentially seeking training or consultation to understand the aerospace-specific elements.<\/p>\r\n

    2. Conduct a gap analysis<\/h3>\r\n

    A detailed gap analysis should be performed to identify which AS9100 requirements are already satisfied by your ISO 9001 system and which require additional implementation. This analysis will form the foundation of your AS9100 implementation plan.<\/p>\r\n

    3. Implement changes<\/h3>\r\n

    Based on your gap analysis, implement the necessary changes to your quality management system. This typically involves:<\/p>\r\n