AS9110

AS9110 is an aerospace quality management system (QMS) standard specifically tailored for organizations that perform maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for aviation products. It adapts and extends ISO 9001 and the aerospace-focused AS9100 requirements to address risks and controls unique to maintenance environments, such as configuration control of repaired items, component traceability, and release-to-service processes.

The standard commonly applies to organizations that maintain, repair, or overhaul aircraft, aircraft components, and related equipment. In industrial operations, it influences how work instructions, documentation, inspection records, and service histories are controlled and how digital systems such as MES, ERP, and maintenance management systems are configured to support quality and regulatory expectations.

Scope and key characteristics

AS9110 typically includes requirements related to:

• Establishing and maintaining a documented quality management system for maintenance activities
• Managing work orders, maintenance data, and technical publications
• Controlling configuration, parts, and materials used in repairs and overhauls
• Ensuring personnel competence and authorization for maintenance tasks
• Managing inspection, testing, and release-to-service documentation
• Handling nonconforming items, rework, and corrective actions
• Maintaining traceability for safety-critical and regulated components

In regulated aerospace environments, AS9110 requirements often drive how electronic records, approvals, and audit trails are implemented, and how maintenance organizations interface with customers, regulators, and OEMs.

Common confusion

• AS9110 vs AS9100: AS9100 is a general aerospace QMS standard for design and manufacturing organizations. AS9110 focuses on maintenance and overhaul organizations and includes additional requirements specific to MRO activities.
• AS9110 vs AS9120: AS9120 is oriented toward aerospace stockist and distributor organizations. AS9110 is for organizations performing maintenance, repair, and overhaul work.

Context in aerospace manufacturing and operations

Within the wider aerospace quality landscape, AS9110 commonly appears alongside AS9100 and AS9120 as part of a family of standards for aviation, space, and defense. While adoption itself is voluntary, compliance with AS9110-based requirements may be embedded in contracts or customer quality clauses. Operational systems on the shop floor and in maintenance facilities are often configured to support AS9110-aligned processes for documentation, traceability, and quality records management.