What is the primary objective of **AS9110C**?

**AS9110C's primary objective is to define quality management system requirements for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations to ensure consistent conformity of products and services to customer and regulatory requirements.** It builds on ISO 9001:2015 using the High Level Structure (HLS), embedding aerospace-specific controls for configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, risk-based thinking (RBT), and continuing airworthiness. This enables safe maintenance release, traceability, and continual improvement via PDCA cycles.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **AS9110C**?

**AS9110C applies to MRO organizations providing maintenance, repair, overhaul, or continuing airworthiness services for commercial, private, and military aircraft.** Target entities include independent repair stations, airline maintenance departments, component overhaul facilities, and OEMs with autonomous MRO operations. Compliance is often contractually mandated by OEMs, airlines, and regulators (e.g., FAA/EASA Part-145 alignments) for OASIS listing and supply-chain approval, regardless of organization size.

Does **AS9110C** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, AS9110C requires third-party certification by an accredited registrar following a two-stage external audit process.** Stage 1 reviews documented information and readiness; Stage 2 verifies effective QMS implementation via on-site evidence of operational controls. Internal audits and management review with at least three months of operational data are prerequisites. Certification is listed on IAQG OASIS.

How often should an assessment for **AS9110C** be performed?

**AS9110C requires internal audits at planned intervals based on process risk, with full cycles completed before certification and ongoing thereafter.** Critical processes (e.g., maintenance planning, configuration control) demand higher frequency. Annual surveillance audits follow certification, with recertification every three years. Management reviews occur regularly, using performance data like NCR trends and KPIs.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **AS9110C**?

**Non-compliance with AS9110C risks regulatory sanctions, contract termination, and operational shutdowns.** It can lead to loss of FAA/EASA Part-145 approvals, fines up to $100k per day, litigation from airworthiness failures, exclusion from OEM contracts, and OASIS delisting. Internal failures manifest as rework, AOG events, and safety incidents due to inadequate configuration or counterfeit controls.

An **AS9110C** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, AS9110C uses ISO 9001:2015's Annex SL HLS, enabling direct clause mapping to compatible frameworks.** IAQG correlation matrices align it with regulatory requirements (e.g., EASA/FAA Part-145). Organizations with mature ISO 9001 systems leverage existing processes, adding MRO-specific controls like counterfeit prevention and human factors.

What is the first step to begin implementing **AS9110C**?

**The first step is a disciplined gap analysis mapping existing processes to AS9110C clauses, including regulatory alignments.** Secure executive sponsorship, define QMS scope, and produce a prioritized gap register using IAQG matrices and process audits. This informs a phased SOW with RBT, avoiding scope creep.

What is the primary objective of **SAMA CSF**?

**SAMA CSF's primary objective is to create a common cybersecurity approach across SAMA-regulated financial institutions, achieve appropriate maturity levels, and ensure proper risk management.** Issued in May 2017 (Version 1.0), it prescribes principles, objectives, and control considerations across four domains—**Cyber Security Leadership and Governance**, **Risk Management and Compliance**, **Operations and Technology**, and **Third Party Cyber Security**—targeting at least **Maturity Level 3** (structured, formalized controls with KPIs).

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **SAMA CSF**?

**SAMA CSF is mandatory for all SAMA-regulated entities, including banks, insurance/reinsurance companies, financing companies, credit bureaus, and financial market infrastructure providers operating in Saudi Arabia.** All domains apply fully to banks; non-banks have tailored exceptions (e.g., excluding payment systems unless handling cardholder data or SWIFT). Boards, senior management, CISOs, and third-party providers must align to enable compliance.

Does **SAMA CSF** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**No, SAMA CSF does not require external audits or third-party certification; it mandates periodic self-assessments using SAMA-provided questionnaires and internal audits.** SAMA conducts supervisory reviews and may demand evidence; internal audits follow accepted standards, with maturity demonstrated via policies, KPIs/KRIs, and control artifacts.

How often should an assessment for **SAMA CSF** be performed?

**SAMA CSF assessments must be performed periodically, including annual reviews of critical assets and ongoing self-assessments against the maturity model.** Triggered events include project initiation, major changes, outsourcing, and new services; penetration testing is required annually for customer-facing systems, with results reported to owners.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **SAMA CSF**?

**Non-compliance with SAMA CSF triggers regulatory enforcement, including supervisory actions, remediation demands, heightened scrutiny, audit findings, and potential operational restrictions.** As a mandatory framework, violations fall under SAMA's broader supervisory powers, risking financial loss, reputational damage, and systemic interventions without specified fines in the document.

An **SAMA CSF** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, SAMA CSF conceptually aligns with international frameworks like NIST CSF, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, and BASEL, enabling control mappings for integrated compliance.** Its principle-based structure and maturity model support leveraging existing implementations, though sector-specific controls (e.g., payment systems, e-banking MFA) require tailored adaptations.

What is the first step to begin implementing **SAMA CSF**?

**The first step is securing Board and senior management sponsorship, followed by a gap analysis and initial maturity assessment against the framework's domains.** Establish governance (e.g., Cyber Security Committee, CISO appointment), inventory assets, and produce a baseline report targeting **Maturity Level 3** minimum.

AS9110C vs SAMA CSF

Standards Comparison

AS9110C

Mandatory

2016

Aerospace QMS standard for aircraft maintenance organizations

SAMA CSF

Mandatory

2017

Saudi framework for financial sector cybersecurity maturity.

Quick Verdict

AS9110C delivers QMS certification for global aerospace MROs ensuring safe maintenance, while SAMA CSF mandates cybersecurity maturity for Saudi financial firms to combat digital threats. Organizations adopt AS9110C for market access; SAMA CSF for regulatory survival.

Quality Management

AS9110C

AS9110C Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Rigorous configuration management ensuring airworthiness traceability
Counterfeit parts prevention with detection and quarantine controls
Operational risk-based thinking for maintenance planning
Human factors integration in competence and audits
Project management for maintenance release and service delivery

Cybersecurity

SAMA CSF

SAMA Cyber Security Framework Version 1.0

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Six-level maturity model with Level 3 baseline
Four core domains covering governance to third-parties
Principle-based risk management approach
Mandatory self-assessments and SAMA audits
Alignment with NIST, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS

Detailed Analysis

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

AS9110C Details

What It Is

AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an internationally recognized certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements for safety-critical processes. Primary scope covers maintenance planning, configuration control, and continuing airworthiness. Key approach: risk-based thinking (RBT) integrated via PDCA cycle across Clauses 4-10.

Key Components

Core pillars: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
Aviation additions: counterfeit prevention, human factors, traceability, release controls.
Built on ISO High Level Structure (HLS) with no exclusions mindset.
Certification model: external audits after internal validation and 3+ months operation.

Why Organizations Use It

Meets customer/OEM contracts and regulatory alignment (FAA/EASA Part-145).
Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework/downtime.
Enables market access, OASIS listing, supply-chain confidence.
Drives efficiency, KPIs like TAT/on-time delivery.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, process design, pilot, audits, certification (6-12 months).
Involves training, eQMS, leadership commitment.
Applies to MROs globally; requires operational evidence for certification.

SAMA CSF Details

What It Is

SAMA Cyber Security Framework (SAMA CSF Version 1.0, May 2017) is a mandatory regulatory framework for SAMA-regulated financial institutions in Saudi Arabia. It provides a principle-based, outcome-oriented blueprint to manage cybersecurity risks, ensuring detection, resistance, response, and recovery from threats. Its risk-based approach uses a six-level maturity model targeting at least Level 3.

Key Components

Four main domains: Cyber Security Leadership and Governance, Risk Management and Compliance, Operations and Technology, Third-Party Cyber Security.
Detailed subdomains with principles, objectives, and control considerations (over 100 subcontrols).
Built on NIST, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS; compliance via self-assessment and SAMA audits.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory for banks, insurers, finance firms to avoid penalties, audits, fines.
Enhances resilience, reduces incidents, builds trust with stakeholders.
Strategic benefits: efficiency, competitive edge, market access.

Implementation Overview

Phased: initiation, gap analysis, design, deployment, monitoring, improvement.
Applies to SAMA entities; involves governance, tech controls, training.
Self-assessments, periodic SAMA reviews; no external certification.

Key Differences

Aspect	AS9110C	SAMA CSF
Scope	Aerospace MRO QMS: maintenance, configuration, counterfeit prevention	Financial cybersecurity: governance, risk, operations, third-party controls
Industry	Aerospace maintenance organizations worldwide	Saudi financial institutions (banks, insurance, fintech)
Nature	Voluntary QMS certification standard (IAQG/SAE)	Mandatory regulatory framework (SAMA enforcement)
Testing	Internal audits, management reviews, external certification audits	Periodic self-assessments, SAMA supervisory audits, maturity model reviews
Penalties	Loss of certification, market access denial	Fines, license suspension, regulatory enforcement actions

Scope

AS9110C

Aerospace MRO QMS: maintenance, configuration, counterfeit prevention

SAMA CSF

Financial cybersecurity: governance, risk, operations, third-party controls

Industry

AS9110C

Aerospace maintenance organizations worldwide

SAMA CSF

Saudi financial institutions (banks, insurance, fintech)

Nature

AS9110C

Voluntary QMS certification standard (IAQG/SAE)

SAMA CSF

Mandatory regulatory framework (SAMA enforcement)

Testing

AS9110C

Internal audits, management reviews, external certification audits

SAMA CSF

Periodic self-assessments, SAMA supervisory audits, maturity model reviews

Penalties

AS9110C

Loss of certification, market access denial

SAMA CSF

Fines, license suspension, regulatory enforcement actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about AS9110C and SAMA CSF

AS9110C FAQ

SAMA CSF FAQ

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AS9110C

SAMA CSF

Quick Verdict

AS9110C

Key Features

SAMA CSF

Key Features

Detailed Analysis

AS9110C Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

SAMA CSF Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

Key Differences

Scope

Industry

Nature

Testing

Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

AS9110C FAQ

What is the primary objective of AS9110C?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with AS9110C?

Does AS9110C require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for AS9110C be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with AS9110C?

An AS9110C be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing AS9110C?

SAMA CSF FAQ

What is the primary objective of SAMA CSF?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with SAMA CSF?

Does SAMA CSF require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for SAMA CSF be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with SAMA CSF?

An SAMA CSF be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing SAMA CSF?

You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

Scaling Compliance: How Modern Tools Transform Lean Teams into Regulatory Powerhouses

NIST CSF 2.0 Deep Dive: Mastering the Updated Framework Core Functions

PDPA Cross-Border Transfer Rules Decoded: Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan Mechanisms Compared with Practical Implementation Templates

Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages

ISO 27032 vs GRI

ITIL vs EU AI Act

J-SOX vs ISO 56002