Standards Comparison

    ISO 50001

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for energy management systems

    VS

    AS9110C

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace QMS standard for aircraft maintenance, repair, overhaul.

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 50001 enables energy performance improvement across industries via EnMS and PDCA, while AS9110C ensures aerospace MRO quality, airworthiness, and safety through rigorous controls. Organizations adopt ISO 50001 for efficiency and sustainability; AS9110C for regulatory compliance and market access.

    Energy Management

    ISO 50001

    ISO 50001:2018 Energy management systems

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

    Key Features

    • Mandates demonstrable continual energy performance improvement via EnPIs
    • Annex SL structure integrates with ISO 9001 and 14001
    • Requires energy review to identify SEUs and opportunities
    • Establishes normalized baselines and data collection plans
    • Emphasizes top management accountability and PDCA cycle
    Quality Management

    AS9110C

    AS9110C Quality Management Systems for Aircraft Maintenance

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

    Key Features

    • Configuration management and traceability controls
    • Counterfeit parts prevention and detection
    • Risk-based thinking in planning and operations
    • Human factors and competence verification
    • Regulatory alignment with FAA/EASA Part-145

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 50001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 50001:2018 is an international certification standard for Energy Management Systems (EnMS). It provides a systematic framework to improve energy performance, including efficiency, use, and consumption. Applicable to all organizations and sectors, it follows the Annex SL High-Level Structure and PDCA cycle for structured energy planning and continual improvement.

    Key Components

    • **Clauses 4-10Context, leadership, planning (energy review, SEUs, EnPIs, EnBs), support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Energy policy, data collection plans, operational controls, procurement criteria.
    • Built on risk-based thinking and measurable indicators.
    • Optional third-party certification per ISO 50003.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Reduces energy costs (4-20% savings), enhances resilience, cuts GHG emissions.
    • Meets regulatory expectations, supports ESG reporting.
    • Manages supply risks, improves procurement.
    • Builds stakeholder trust via auditable performance.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, planning, deployment, check-act.
    • Involves metering, training, audits.
    • Scalable for SMEs to multinationals; 12-18 months typical.

    AS9110C Details

    What It Is

    AS9110C is the international quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements focused on safety-critical processes. Its primary scope covers MRO activities ensuring airworthiness, using a risk-based thinking (RBT) and PDCA methodology.

    Key Components

    • Core pillars: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement (Clauses 4-10).
    • Aviation additions: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability.
    • Built on ISO High Level Structure (HLS); no fixed control count, emphasizes documented information.
    • Certification via accredited registrars with internal audits and management reviews.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets customer/OEM contracts and regulatory alignments (FAA/EASA Part-145).
    • Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework, ensures traceability.
    • Boosts market access, operational efficiency, stakeholder trust.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, pilots, audits.
    • Applies to MROs of all sizes globally; requires 3+ months operational data pre-certification.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 50001
    Energy management systems (EnMS), performance improvement
    AS9110C
    Aerospace MRO quality management, airworthiness, safety

    Industry

    ISO 50001
    All sectors worldwide, energy consumers
    AS9110C
    Aerospace maintenance organizations globally

    Nature

    ISO 50001
    Voluntary certification standard
    AS9110C
    Voluntary certification standard

    Testing

    ISO 50001
    Internal audits, management review, optional third-party
    AS9110C
    Internal audits, management review, third-party certification

    Penalties

    ISO 50001
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties
    AS9110C
    Loss of certification, regulatory/contractual risks

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 50001 and AS9110C

    ISO 50001 FAQ

    AS9110C FAQ

    You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

    Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

    Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform

    Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.

    100+ Standards & Regulations
    AI-Powered Insights
    Collaborative Assessments
    Actionable Recommendations

    Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages