Standards Comparison

    NIS2

    Mandatory
    2022

    EU directive for cybersecurity resilience across critical sectors

    VS

    AS9110C

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace QMS standard for aircraft MRO organizations.

    Quick Verdict

    NIS2 mandates cybersecurity resilience for EU critical entities via risk management and rapid incident reporting, while AS9110C certifies quality systems for aviation MROs emphasizing traceability and airworthiness. EU firms comply with NIS2 legally; aerospace adopts AS9110C for contracts and safety.

    Cybersecurity

    NIS2

    Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2)

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

    Key Features

    • Expands scope via size-cap rule to medium/large entities
    • Mandates strict 24-hour early warning incident reporting
    • Imposes direct senior management accountability for compliance
    • Levies fines up to 2% global annual turnover
    • Requires continuous supply chain risk management measures
    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 part traceability controls
    • Counterfeit and suspect parts prevention processes
    • Human factors integration in competence and audits
    • Maintenance release and project management requirements

    Detailed Analysis

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

    NIS2 Details

    What It Is

    NIS2, officially Directive (EU) 2022/2555, is an EU regulation strengthening cybersecurity. It expands the original NIS Directive's scope to essential and important entities in 18 sectors like energy, transport, and digital infrastructure. Adopts a risk-based approach emphasizing continuous assurance over static compliance.

    Key Components

    • Four pillars: risk management, incident reporting, business continuity, corporate accountability.
    • Strict reporting: 24-hour early warning, 72-hour notification, one-month final report.
    • Leverages standards like ISO 27001 and NIST CSF; focuses on supply chain security, access controls, encryption.
    • No formal certification but subject to audits and spot checks.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Ensures legal compliance amid transposition by October 2024, avoiding fines up to 2% global turnover. Enhances resilience against threats like APTs and ransomware, protects critical services, builds stakeholder trust, and drives competitive cyber maturity.

    Implementation Overview

    Targets medium/large EU entities (50+ employees or €10M turnover). Involves risk assessments, training, reporting procedures, governance changes. Ongoing process with national variations, spot checks by CSIRTs; proactive adoption recommended for resilience.

    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 maintenance processes. Its primary scope covers aircraft and component MRO, emphasizing risk-based thinking (RBT), configuration control, and continuing airworthiness.

    Key Components

    • 10 clauses following ISO High Level Structure (HLS).
    • Core areas: leadership commitment, operational planning (Clause 8), counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, supplier controls, internal audits, and management reviews.
    • Built on PDCA cycle and RBT; requires documented evidence of QMS operation.
    • Certification via accredited registrars with Stage 1/2 audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets customer/OEM contract requirements and regulatory alignment (FAA/EASA Part-145).
    • Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework/AOG events, improves on-time delivery.
    • Enhances market access via IAQG OASIS listing, builds stakeholder trust.
    • Drives efficiency (5-12% labor cost reduction) and competitive differentiation.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased approach: gap analysis, process design, pilot, audits, certification (6-12 months typical).
    • Applies to MROs of all sizes globally; involves training, eQMS, KPIs.
    • Requires operational QMS exercise (3+ months data) before certification. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    NIS2
    Cybersecurity risk management, incident reporting for critical sectors
    AS9110C
    Quality management for aviation maintenance, repair, overhaul

    Industry

    NIS2
    Essential/important entities in EU sectors like energy, transport
    AS9110C
    Aerospace MRO organizations worldwide

    Nature

    NIS2
    Mandatory EU regulation with national transposition
    AS9110C
    Voluntary certification standard based on ISO 9001

    Testing

    NIS2
    Incident reporting timelines to CSIRTs, national audits
    AS9110C
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits

    Penalties

    NIS2
    Fines up to 2% global turnover or €10M
    AS9110C
    Loss of certification, no direct legal fines

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about NIS2 and AS9110C

    NIS2 FAQ

    AS9110C FAQ

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