Standards Comparison

    GRI

    Voluntary
    2021

    Global framework for sustainability impact reporting

    VS

    AS9110C

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace QMS standard for aircraft maintenance, repair, overhaul.

    Quick Verdict

    GRI enables impact materiality reporting for broad stakeholders across industries, while AS9110C mandates QMS certification for aerospace MRO safety and compliance. Organizations adopt GRI for ESG transparency and AS9110C for regulatory approval and market access.

    Sustainability Reporting

    GRI

    Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards

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

    Key Features

    • Impact-based materiality drives topic prioritization
    • Modular Universal, Sector, Topic Standards structure
    • Mandatory Content Index ensures traceability
    • Broad worker scope covers contractors, supply chain
    • Reporting principles enforce accuracy, balance, verifiability
    Quality Management

    AS9110C

    AS9110C Quality Management Systems for Aircraft Maintenance

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

    Key Features

    • Risk-based thinking embedded in planning and operations
    • Configuration management and traceability controls
    • Counterfeit parts prevention and detection
    • Maintenance release and human factors requirements
    • Project management for service realization

    Detailed Analysis

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

    GRI Details

    What It Is

    Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards is a voluntary modular framework for sustainability reporting. It provides a global common language for disclosing significant economic, environmental, and social impacts. Primary scope covers all organizations worldwide, using impact-centric materiality to prioritize topics via a structured four-step process.

    Key Components

    • Universal Standards (GRI 1 Foundation, GRI 2 General Disclosures, GRI 3 Material Topics) as baseline.
    • Sector Standards for high-impact industries like oil & gas, mining.
    • Topic Standards (e.g., GRI 403 Occupational Health & Safety, GRI 308 Supplier Environmental Assessment) with specific disclosures.
    • Built on principles like accuracy, balance, verifiability; requires GRI Content Index for compliance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives accountability, regulatory alignment (e.g., EU CSRD), risk management, benchmarking. Enhances stakeholder trust, investor access, supply-chain resilience; supports interoperability with SASB, ISSB.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: materiality assessment, data architecture, management disclosures, assurance. Applies to all sizes/industries; no certification but external assurance recommended for credibility.

    AS9110C Details

    What It Is

    AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an international quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements for safety-critical processes, using a risk-based thinking (RBT) and PDCA approach.

    Key Components

    • Core clauses (4-10) covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Aviation additions: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, maintenance release, traceability.
    • Built on Annex SL HLS; requires documented information, competence, audits.
    • Certification via accredited bodies like IAQG OASIS.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets customer/OEM contracts, regulatory alignment (FAA/EASA Part-145).
    • Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework/AOG events.
    • Enhances market access, operational efficiency, stakeholder trust.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, pilots, audits.
    • 6-12 months typical; suits MROs globally.
    • Requires internal audits, management review before certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    GRI
    Sustainability impacts on economy, environment, people
    AS9110C
    Aerospace MRO quality management and airworthiness

    Industry

    GRI
    All sectors worldwide, any organization size
    AS9110C
    Aerospace maintenance organizations globally

    Nature

    GRI
    Voluntary sustainability reporting framework
    AS9110C
    Certification quality management standard

    Testing

    GRI
    Internal verification, optional external assurance
    AS9110C
    Mandatory internal audits, external certification audits

    Penalties

    GRI
    Loss of credibility, no legal penalties
    AS9110C
    Certification revocation, regulatory/contractual exclusion

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about GRI and AS9110C

    GRI FAQ

    AS9110C FAQ

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