History of the AS9100 Aerospace Quality Standard

The AS9100 standard has its roots in the aerospace industry’s need for a consistent and reliable quality management system (QMS) that addresses the sector’s unique requirements and stringent regulations. The development of AS9100 is a result of collaboration between major aerospace manufacturers and organizations. Here is a brief history of the AS9100 standard:

1. Late 1990s: In response to the increasing demand for a QMS tailored to the aerospace industry, the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) was established. The IAQG is a cooperative organization consisting of representatives from leading aerospace companies in America, Europe, and Asia. Their goal was to develop a single, unified QMS standard that would ensure quality, safety, and reliability throughout the aerospace supply chain.
2. 1999: The first version of the AS9100 standard was released by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and the European Association of Aerospace Industries (AECMA). This version was based on the ISO 9001:1994 standard but included additional requirements specific to the aerospace industry.
3. 2001: AS9100A, an updated version of the standard, was published to align with the revised ISO 9001:2000 standard. It incorporated a process-based approach to QMS and included several enhancements to address industry feedback and lessons learned from the initial release.
4. 2009: AS9100B was replaced by AS9100C, which incorporated further revisions to align with the updated ISO 9001:2008 standard. This version introduced new requirements for risk management, project management, configuration management, and other areas crucial to the aerospace industry.
5. 2016: The most recent version, AS9100D, was released to align with the ISO 9001:2015 standard. This version incorporates a greater emphasis on risk-based thinking, enhanced leadership requirements, and a more structured approach to managing organizational context and interested parties.

Throughout its history, the AS9100 standard has evolved to keep pace with changes in the aerospace industry and the broader quality management landscape. By continually refining the standard, the IAQG aims to ensure that the AS9100 QMS remains relevant and effective in promoting quality, safety, and reliability throughout the aerospace supply chain.