AS9100D is the aerospace-industry QMS standard, derived from ISO 9001 with 100+ aerospace-specific additions. It’s required by virtually every aerospace prime contractor (Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed, Raytheon).
Any organisation wanting a flexible, baseline quality system.
Aerospace, space and defence (AS&D) suppliers — manufacturers, MROs and distributors selling into the global aerospace supply chain.
All ten dimensions head-to-head:
| Aspect | ISO 9001 | AS9100D |
|---|---|---|
| Industry scope | Universal | Aerospace, space and defence only |
| Counterfeit parts | Not addressed | Mandatory prevention programme (clause 8.1.4) |
| Configuration mgmt | Not specified | Mandatory (clause 8.1.2) |
| Risk methodology | Risk-based thinking only | Risk-based thinking + project risk + product safety risk |
| FOD prevention | Not addressed | Foreign Object Debris programme mandatory |
| First article inspection | Not addressed | AS9102 FAI mandatory |
| Audit oversight | Any accredited CB | IAQG OASIS-registered CB only |
| Product safety | General product conformity | Dedicated clause 8.1.3 product safety |
| Cost (cert) | £3k–£15k SME | £10k–£25k SME |
| Surveillance | Annual | Annual + OASIS upload of audit results |
Choose ISO 9001 if you don’t sell into aerospace contracts.
Choose AS9100D if you supply parts, assemblies, software or services to aerospace primes — it is required, not optional.
AS9100D fully incorporates ISO 9001. One AS9100D certificate satisfies both, though you cannot hold AS9100D without complying with ISO 9001 underneath.
Yes — the additional clauses on configuration management, FOD, counterfeit parts, FAI and product safety add substantial documentation and process discipline.
The IAQG Online Aerospace Supplier Information System — a database of certified aerospace suppliers. Your AS9100 certificate and audit results are visible to all primes.
No — AS9100D includes ISO 9001 in full. One certificate covers both.
AS9110C is for MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) and AS9120B is for distributors. All three are derived from ISO 9001.
Both standards have free interactive gap-analysis tools — no sign-up, no install.