IA9100 Is Coming: Changes to the AS9100 Standard

What Small Aerospace Businesses Need to Know About the AS9100 Update

If your small business is currently certified to AS9100 or you operate in the aerospace supply chain, change is on the horizon. The AS9100 certification standard is getting a significant update, and with that update comes a new name: IA9100 — standing for International Aerospace rather than Aerospace Standard.

While the full standard is expected to be published in 2026, it’s not too early to start understanding what this transition could mean for your quality management system (QMS).

What’s in AS9100 vs ISO 9001?

The current version of the standard, AS9100D, was released in 2016. It builds directly on the foundation of ISO 9001:2015 — in fact, about 75% of AS9100D is based on ISO 9001 requirements.The remaining content adds over 100 aerospace-specific additional AS9100 requirements, including:

• Risk and Configuration Management
• Product Safety Controls
• Project and Process Oversight
• Handling of Critical and Special Requirements
• Supplier Monitoring and Approval Procedures

These additions ensure that every part meets strict industry and regulatory standards. This includes everything from a single component to an entire aircraft system.

Why Is AS9100 Becoming IA9100?

The shift from AS to IA is more than just a cosmetic change. It reflects the global scope and harmonization efforts of the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG), the body responsible for developing the standard. This update aligns with other internationally recognized aerospace standards, underscoring the increasingly global nature of the industry — even for small businesses.

What’s Changing in IA9100?

While the core structure of the AS9100 standard — based on ISO 9001 — is expected to stay largely the same, targeted updates will raise the bar on quality, safety, and data security across the aerospace sector.

Here are the areas small businesses should pay close attention to:

Information Security

A new requirement (Clause 7.1.7) will call for stronger safeguards on QMS-related information. This includes both digital and infrastructure security.

Product Safety & Counterfeit Parts

Expect an enhanced emphasis on product safety processes and expanded controls to help prevent counterfeit parts from entering your supply chain.

Quality Culture & Ethics

The standard will likely introduce guidance on ethical leadership and embedding a quality-driven mindset into your workforce — especially important for fostering long-term customer trust.

Risk-Based Thinking

There will be tighter integration between risk identification and operational planning. Internal audits will now be expected to specifically assess risks as part of the process.

Supplier Oversight

Greater attention will be placed on managing sub-tier suppliers. Small businesses may need to demonstrate more robust oversight, especially in areas like quality control and sustainability.

Measurement System Analysis (MSA)

Clarifications are expected on how businesses monitor and measure performance. MSA may be more formally required in support activities.

How Should Small Aerospace Suppliers Prepare?

You don’t need to overhaul your entire QMS overnight, but here are a few proactive steps we recommend:

1. Review Your Information Security: Start evaluating how you protect sensitive QMS information — both physically and digitally.

2. Reinforce Quality Culture: Think about how your leadership promotes ethics, quality, and accountability. These values will become more critical under IA9100.

3. Reassess Risk Management: Audit your current risk planning practices. Are you accounting for product risks, supplier variability, or system vulnerabilities?

4. Talk to Your Suppliers: Begin conversations about expectations under the new standard. The IA9100 update emphasizes upstream and downstream accountability.

Final Thoughts

Core Business Solutions consultants are here to help you navigate the IA9100 transition with expert support, gap assessments, document updates, and training tailored for small business teams. Reach out to us to learn more.