AS 9100 / AS 9120 — Aerospace Quality Management Systems

Certification Overview (Business Overview)

Introduction

AS 9100 and AS 9120 are internationally recognized quality management system standards developed specifically for the aerospace and defense industry, built on the foundation of ISO 9001, with supplementary requirements tailored to the stringent safety, reliability, and traceability demands of aviation, space, and defense products.

AS 9100 applies to organizations that design, manufacture, assemble, inspect, and maintain aerospace components and systems. It reinforces critical process controls, special process management, risk-based thinking, product configuration management, full-lot traceability, and non-conforming product disposition — ensuring every part meets the exacting standards demanded by aerospace OEMs and regulatory authorities.

AS 9120 is the standard for distributors and stockists of aerospace commodities — organizations that procure, warehouse, and distribute parts but do not manufacture them. It focuses on chain-of-custody traceability, counterfeit part prevention, controlled storage conditions, documentation integrity, and segregation of non-conforming items — safeguarding the aerospace supply chain against the infiltration of substandard or fraudulent components.

Both standards are issued by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) and widely accepted as a preferred supplier qualification requirement for major global aerospace supply chains.

    The global aerospace certification services market is projected to grow from USD 7.46 billion in 2026 to USD 12.43 billion by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.48%. China, as one of the world's largest aviation markets, is expected to reach a certification service market size of USD 3–4 billion by 2032 — driven by the advancement of domestic aircraft programs such as the C919 and ARJ21. Leading OEMs including Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, COMAC, and AVIC have all designated AS 9100 certification as a mandatory supplier qualification, and the requirement cascades through the supply chain — Tier 1 suppliers routinely mandate AS 9100 compliance for their Tier 2/3 subcontractors.

NGV obtained dual AS 9100 & AS 9120 accreditation qualifications in 2026, making it one of the few certification bodies in China capable of serving both aerospace manufacturers and distributors under a single accreditation portfolio.

Scope of Certification

AS 9100 — Manufacturers & Service Providers

AS 9100 applies to organizations engaged in the design, development, production, installation, and aftermarket support of aerospace products. Applicable entities include:

· Component manufacturers: Producers of aerospace structural parts, precision-machined components, airframe elements, and engine/turbine parts.

· Avionics & electronic module manufacturers: Suppliers of flight control systems, navigation equipment, avionics suites, and onboard electronics.

· Complete aircraft & equipment manufacturers: UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) integrators, defense equipment manufacturers, and eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) developers.

· Special process subcontractors: Providers of heat treatment, surface treatment/plating, non-destructive testing (NDT), welding, and coating services for aerospace applications.

· Tooling & test equipment manufacturers: Producers of aerospace-specific tooling, molds, jigs, fixtures, and specialized test equipment.

· Material suppliers: Providers of aerospace-grade alloys, composites, specialty metals, and advanced materials.

· MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) providers: Manufacturers conducting maintenance, repair and overhaul of their own aircraft parts, assemblies and aviation systems.

AS 9120 — Distributors & Warehousing Providers

AS 9120 applies to organizations that procure, store, and distribute aerospace parts and materials without engaging in manufacturing. Applicable entities include:

· Aerospace parts professional distributors: Companies specializing in the distribution of aerospace components and assemblies.

· Standard parts & commodity wholesalers: Wholesalers of fasteners, bearings, electronic components, seals, and other aviation-standard hardware.

· Aerospace parts inventory holders & logistics providers: Organizations operating warehouses and logistics networks for aerospace stock.

· Supply chain circulation enterprises: All organizations operating within the aerospace parts distribution and circulation chain.

Other Matters

Industry Cases

Tengjing Technology Co., Ltd. — A manufacturer specializing in precision optical components and optical materials, Tengjing Technology obtained AS 9100D certification and successfully entered the domestic mainstream aerospace supply chain, supplying critical optical elements for avionics and sensing systems.

· Yatai Technology Co., Ltd. — Through its subsidiary, the company leveraged its deep expertise in special aluminum alloy materials to achieve AS 9100D certification, formally entering the aerospace materials market and qualifying as a supplier of aerospace-grade aluminum products.

· Sihui Fushi Electronics Co., Ltd. — A manufacturer of high-end PCB (printed circuit board) products, Sihui Fushi obtained AS 9100D certification and secured aerospace-related production qualifications, enabling it to supply critical PCB components for avionics and airborne electronic equipment.