Standards Comparison

    AS9110C

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace standard for maintenance quality management systems

    VS

    ISO 41001

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for facility management systems

    Quick Verdict

    AS9110C provides aerospace-specific QMS for aviation maintenance safety and traceability, while ISO 41001 establishes facility management systems for efficient, sustainable service delivery across sectors. Organizations adopt AS9110C for regulatory compliance and market access; ISO 41001 for strategic alignment and ESG goals.

    Quality Management

    AS9110C

    AS9110C:2016 Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance

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

    Key Features

    • Tailored QMS for aviation maintenance organizations
    • Configuration management and product traceability controls
    • Counterfeit and suspect parts prevention requirements
    • Risk-based thinking in planning and operations
    • Human factors and dedicated safety policy
    Facility Management

    ISO 41001

    ISO 41001:2018 Facility management — Management systems — Requirements

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Distinguishes FM organization from demand organization
    • HLS alignment for integrated management systems
    • Risk planning includes business continuity and emergencies
    • Stakeholder requirements lifecycle management
    • Service integration and operational coordination

    Detailed Analysis

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

    AS9110C Details

    What It Is

    AS9110C:2016 is an international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation maintenance organizations (MROs), repair stations, and continuing airworthiness providers. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 Annex SL structure with aerospace-specific additions, using risk-based thinking and PDCA cycles to ensure safe, compliant maintenance.

    Key Components

    • Core clauses 4–10 covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Aviation additions: configuration management, traceability, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, product safety.
    • No fixed control count; focuses on documented information, external providers, and operational risk controls.
    • Certification via IAQG-accredited bodies with OASIS listing.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets customer/OEM contracts and regulatory alignment (FAA/EASA Part 145).
    • Mitigates safety risks, ensures airworthiness, reduces rework/AOG events.
    • Enables market access, boosts competitiveness, builds stakeholder trust.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months typical).
    • Applies to MROs globally; requires internal audits, management reviews before certification.

    ISO 41001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 41001:2018Facility management — Management systems — Requirements with guidance for use — is a certifiable international standard establishing requirements for a facility management (FM) system. It adopts a risk-based, process-oriented approach using the High-Level Structure (HLS) and PDCA cycle to ensure effective FM delivery supporting organizational objectives, stakeholder needs, and sustainability.

    Key Components

    • Core clauses: Context (4), Leadership (5), Planning (6), Support (7), Operation (8), Performance evaluation (9), Improvement (10).
    • FM-specific elements like demand organization alignment, service integration, and business continuity.
    • Built on HLS for interoperability with ISO 9001, 14001, 45001.
    • Voluntary certification via accredited third-party audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives cost savings, occupant wellbeing, and ESG compliance.
    • Mitigates risks in regulatory, operational, and supply chain areas.
    • Enhances competitive bidding and stakeholder trust.
    • Supports sustainability via 2024 climate amendment.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, policy/objectives, processes, audits, certification.
    • Applicable to all sizes/sectors; 6-24 months typical.
    • Involves leadership commitment, KPIs, internal audits, management reviews.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    AS9110C
    Aviation maintenance QMS with safety, traceability
    ISO 41001
    Facility management system for services, sustainability

    Industry

    AS9110C
    Aerospace MRO organizations worldwide
    ISO 41001
    All sectors, non-sector-specific globally

    Nature

    AS9110C
    Voluntary certification standard (IAQG)
    ISO 41001
    Voluntary management system standard (ISO)

    Testing

    AS9110C
    Internal audits, certification body Stage 1/2 audits
    ISO 41001
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits

    Penalties

    AS9110C
    Loss of certification, market exclusion
    ISO 41001
    No legal penalties, loss of certification

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about AS9110C and ISO 41001

    AS9110C FAQ

    ISO 41001 FAQ

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