The aviation, space, and defense industry demands high-quality and reliable products to ensure its systems are always mission-ready. In order to control the quality of delivered products, the aviation, space, and defense industry, or ASD, formed the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG). This group, which is comprised of many major ASD companies, collaborated in the creation of a single, universal quality management system called AS9100.
Introduced in 1999, AS9100 was developed specifically for aviation, space, and defense organizations and is now internationally recognized as the leading quality standard for aerospace organizations. In this article, we’ll break down what’s included within the AS9100 standard, dig into why it’s important, and learn how to receive and maintain the certification. Let’s get into it.
ISO 9001 is the original foundation of the AS9100 standard and contains quality management process requirements such as process and document control, leadership commitment, quality management systems (QMS) measurement and analysis, risk planning and mitigation, continuous improvement, and more. AS9100 was constructed from these categories, with additional requirements on safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. The AS9100 standard contains multiple sub-standards and supporting documents. These categories are:
While AS9100 is the primary standard for manufacturers, two separate standards exist for different roles within the aerospace supply chain:
Being qualified to the AS9100 standard demonstrates dedication to strict quality control guidelines, including operational risk management, supply chain management, traceability, and product configuration and safety. Companies certified to AS9100 are also certified to ISO 9001 by default.
AS9100 certification is important because it establishes a strong foundation for quality, consistency, safety, and continuous improvement within the aerospace industry. Built on seven core quality management principles, the standard helps organizations improve operations while meeting strict customer and regulatory requirements. These principles are:
Many major ASD and civil aviation companies require that their manufacturing suppliers hold an AS9100 series certification in order to supply products. Advanced Conversion Technology has proudly maintained AS9100 certifications for 11 consecutive years, allowing us to design, develop, and produce mission-critical power solutions for the ASD and other industries.
For manufacturers to obtain their AS9100 certification, they must demonstrate proficiency and control of all aspects of the standard. This includes, but is not limited to, the categories referenced above. An accredited, third-party representative will audit a company’s QMS system for compliance to the standard. This process is performed in two stages. Stage one is a remote document and QMS review, where the auditor reviews internal documentation and processes to check for on-site audit readiness. Stage two involves the auditor(s) performing on-site verification of the company’s QMS system and applicable documentation.
Once a company obtains its certification, it is then on a three-year recertification cycle. The first and second years during each cycle period will require surveillance audits. The first must be performed within 12 months of a company’s AS9100 certification. Surveillance audits are a simplified version of the certification audit process. For these simplified audits, the company’s QMS system will again be assessed against the standard requirements, but in smaller, more refined areas of focus. After two years of surveillance audits, a full re-certification audit will be performed, and the cycle will be refreshed.
One of the largest points of focus within the AS9100 standard is continuous improvement. This requirement ensures suppliers focus on market relevancy by staying up to date on market demands while cutting costs, reducing risks, and improving customer satisfaction. These improvements are critical for suppliers to meet, but the International Aerospace Quality Group also holds itself to the same standards.
Since its release, the AS9100 has gone through three revisions in pursuit of continuous improvement, with another very large change on the horizon. Currently expected in late 2026, the AS9100 (Aerospace Standard) will be transitioning to IA9100 (International Aerospace) to align with the newest publication of ISO 9001:2026. IA9100 will bring changes that focus on enhanced product safety, cybersecurity, ethical practices, advanced product quality planning (APQP), climate change, sustainability, and more.
Throughout our more than 40 years in business, we have always fostered a culture of quality first with our products, and our AS9100 certification is our badge of honor, showcasing our commitment to quality. Instead of an obstacle to overcome, ACT sees the AS9100 certification process as an opportunity to collaborate with accredited auditors in the pursuit of continuous improvement, product safety, and reliability. By supporting a culture of quality at ACT, we continue to put our customers’ needs first and provide superior power solutions that perform and protect.
If your application requires reliable, mission-ready power supplies, contact ACT to find a solution to meet your high-quality and performance requirements.
