Standards Comparison

    AS9110C

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace standard for aviation maintenance quality management

    VS

    ISO 27701

    Voluntary
    2019

    International standard for privacy information management systems

    Quick Verdict

    AS9110C ensures quality management for aviation maintenance organizations, while ISO 27701 establishes privacy management for PII processors. MRO firms adopt AS9110C for regulatory compliance and market access; data handlers use ISO 27701 for GDPR alignment and trust.

    Quality Management

    AS9110C

    AS9110C:2016 Quality Management for Aviation Maintenance

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

    Key Features

    • Tailored for aviation maintenance and MRO organizations
    • Mandates configuration management and traceability controls
    • Requires counterfeit and suspect parts prevention
    • Integrates operational risk-based planning and execution
    • Emphasizes human factors in nonconformity analysis
    Privacy Management

    ISO 27701

    ISO/IEC 27701:2025 Privacy Information Management

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

    Key Features

    • Establishes Privacy Information Management System (PIMS)
    • Role-specific controls for PII controllers and processors
    • Aligns with ISO 27001 and GDPR mappings
    • Requires risk-based DPIAs and DSR handling
    • Supports auditable certification via PDCA cycle

    Detailed Analysis

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

    AS9110C Details

    What It Is

    AS9110C:2016 is the international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation maintenance organizations, including repair stations and MRO providers. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 with Annex SL structure, using risk-based thinking and PDCA cycle tailored to continuing airworthiness and safety-critical maintenance.

    Key Components

    • Operational controls: configuration management, traceability, preservation, counterfeit parts prevention.
    • Leadership: safety policy, accountable manager roles.
    • 10 clauses covering context, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Certification via IAQG OASIS database after audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Enhances market access to OEMs/airlines, ensures regulatory alignment (FAA/EASA), mitigates safety risks, improves on-time delivery/customer satisfaction, builds stakeholder trust through traceable conformity.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits, certification (6-12 months typical). Applies to all MRO sizes; requires demonstrated operational maturity before Stage 2 audit.

    ISO 27701 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 27701:2025 is an international standard extending ISO 27001 for a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It provides requirements and guidance for managing PII lifecycle with risk-based accountability, aligning with GDPR and global privacy laws.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4–10 mirror ISO management systems, plus Annex A (controller controls) and Annex B (processor controls).
    • Covers governance, DPIAs, DSRs, third-party management, privacy-by-design.
    • Built on PDCA cycle; certification via accredited audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mitigates regulatory fines, breach risks; enables procurement differentiation.
    • Demonstrates compliance, builds trust; harmonizes multi-jurisdiction efforts.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased PDCA: discover/scope, design/plan, implement/operate, validate/improve.
    • Suits all sizes/industries handling PII; 6-12 months typical with ISMS.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    AS9110C
    Aerospace MRO quality management
    ISO 27701
    Privacy information management system

    Industry

    AS9110C
    Aviation maintenance organizations
    ISO 27701
    All PII-processing organizations

    Nature

    AS9110C
    Voluntary QMS certification standard
    ISO 27701
    Voluntary PIMS certification standard

    Testing

    AS9110C
    Internal/external audits, certification
    ISO 27701
    Internal/external audits, certification

    Penalties

    AS9110C
    Loss of certification, market exclusion
    ISO 27701
    Loss of certification, regulatory exposure

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about AS9110C and ISO 27701

    AS9110C FAQ

    ISO 27701 FAQ

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