Standards Comparison

    AS9110C

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace QMS standard for aviation maintenance organizations

    VS

    ISO 27018

    Voluntary
    2019

    International standard for PII protection in public cloud processors.

    Quick Verdict

    AS9110C ensures quality management for aerospace MRO, while ISO 27018 protects PII in public clouds. MRO firms adopt AS9110C for certification and supply chain readiness; cloud providers use ISO 27018 to demonstrate processor privacy compliance.

    Quality Management

    AS9110C

    AS9110C: Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Tailored QMS for aviation maintenance, repair, overhaul
    • Counterfeit parts prevention and detection controls
    • Strict configuration management and traceability requirements
    • Integrated risk-based thinking with severity-likelihood matrices
    • Human factors and product safety in operations
    Cloud Privacy

    ISO 27018

    ISO/IEC 27018:2025 PII protection in public clouds

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Protects PII processed by public cloud providers as processors
    • Requires transparency on data locations and subprocessors
    • Enforces purpose limitation and consent for PII use
    • Mandates secure data return and deletion on termination
    • Demands logging, monitoring, and breach notification controls

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    AS9110C Details

    What It Is

    AS9110C is the SAE/IAQG quality management system standard for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations, building on ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements. Its primary purpose is ensuring safe, compliant maintenance through risk-based thinking, configuration control, and traceability. It uses the High Level Structure (HLS) and PDCA cycle.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4-10 covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Aviation additions: counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, product safety, continuing airworthiness.
    • Over 100 requirements with documented information for evidence.
    • Certification via accredited registrars with Stage 1/2 audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets customer/OEM contracts and regulatory alignments (FAA/EASA Part-145).
    • Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework, improves on-time delivery.
    • Enhances market access via OASIS listing, builds stakeholder trust.
    • Drives efficiency and competitive edge in MRO sector.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: gap analysis, process mapping, training, internal audits, certification. Applies to all MRO sizes globally; requires 3+ months operational data pre-certification. Involves eQMS, auditor training, PDCA cycles.

    ISO 27018 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 27018:2025 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27002 for protecting personally identifiable information (PII) in public clouds where providers act as PII processors. Its primary purpose is to provide cloud-specific privacy controls, focusing on processor obligations in multi-tenant environments through a risk-based approach layered on an ISO 27001 ISMS.

    Key Components

    • Core themes: consent/purpose limitation, transparency, data minimization, subcontractor management, logging/auditability, breach notification, secure deletion.
    • ~25-30 additional privacy controls aligned with ISO/IEC 29100 principles.
    • Builds on ISO 27002:2022's 93 controls; no standalone certification—assessed within ISO 27001 audits with updated Statement of Applicability.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Demonstrates robust PII safeguards for cloud customers, aiding GDPR/CCPA alignment and vendor due diligence.
    • Enhances risk management, reduces procurement friction, builds stakeholder trust via certifications (e.g., Drata, Vanta).
    • Competitive edge for SaaS/cloud providers in regulated sectors.

    Implementation Overview

    • Conduct gap analysis on existing ISO 27001 ISMS, layer privacy controls, automate monitoring via GRC tools.
    • Applies to cloud PII processors of all sizes; involves policy updates, tooling (e.g., SIEM, CSPM), third-party audits annually.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    AS9110C
    Aerospace MRO QMS with maintenance controls
    ISO 27018
    PII protection in public cloud processors

    Industry

    AS9110C
    Aerospace maintenance organizations globally
    ISO 27018
    Cloud service providers worldwide

    Nature

    AS9110C
    Voluntary QMS certification standard
    ISO 27018
    Code of practice extending ISO 27001

    Testing

    AS9110C
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification
    ISO 27018
    Integrated ISO 27001 audits with surveillance

    Penalties

    AS9110C
    Loss of certification, market exclusion
    ISO 27018
    No direct penalties, certification withdrawal

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about AS9110C and ISO 27018

    AS9110C FAQ

    ISO 27018 FAQ

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