AS 9100 Certification in Saudi Arabia | AS 9100D, AS 9110C & AS 9120B Aerospace Certification
Saudi Office
SCS Certification (Partners)
7713, King Abdulaziz Street,
Al Dawasir, Dammam, 32416
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
+966 58 245 8722
AS 9100 Certification in Saudi Arabia
AS 9100 certification in Saudi Arabia is increasingly relevant to aerospace manufacturers, aircraft component suppliers, defense companies, engineering organizations, MRO providers, distributors and businesses entering the Kingdom's growing aerospace and defense supply chain.
The AS 9100 series includes three principal aerospace quality-management standards:
- AS 9100D – aviation, space and defense organizations
- AS 9110C – aviation maintenance organizations
- AS 9120B – aviation, space and defense distributors
IAQG's certification framework covers the 9100, 9110 and 9120 standards, which build on ISO 9001 requirements with additional aerospace-specific requirements.
For Saudi organizations, aerospace certification should also be considered alongside applicable requirements from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), customers, OEMs and other relevant authorities.
This guide explains AS 9100 certification in Saudi Arabia, AS 9100D, AS 9110C and AS 9120B, certification requirements, the certification process, audits, costs, IAQG, ICOP, OASIS, GACA, GAMI and the Saudi aerospace and defense supply chain.
What Is AS 9100 Certification?
AS 9100 is a quality-management standard for organizations operating within the aviation, space and defense supply chain.
It builds on ISO 9001 and adds requirements suited to aerospace operations, including:
- Product safety
- Risk management
- Configuration management
- Traceability
- Supplier controls
- Counterfeit-part prevention
- Production controls
- Design and development
- Inspection and testing
- Nonconforming outputs
- Customer requirements
- Regulatory requirements
- Corrective action
For a Saudi aerospace supplier, AS 9100 can provide a structured framework for controlling quality and meeting applicable customer and contractual requirements.
What Is AS 9100D Certification?
AS 9100D certification means certification against the D revision of AS 9100.
You may encounter different search expressions, including:
- AS 9100 certification
- AS9100 certification
- AS 9100D certification
- AS 9100 D certification
- AS9100D certification
- AS certification
- Aerospace certification
- Aerospace QMS certification
- Aerospace quality management system certification
The wording used in a search does not change the certification requirement. The certification scope must match the organization's actual activities.
AS 9100 vs AS 9110C vs AS 9120B
Selecting the right standard can prevent unnecessary work and an unsuitable certification scope.
| Standard | Best suited to | Typical activities |
|---|---|---|
| AS 9100D | Aviation, space and defense organizations | Design, development, production and related support |
| AS 9110C | Aviation maintenance organizations | Maintenance, repair and overhaul |
| AS 9120B | Aerospace distributors | Stockholding, distribution and supply-chain activities |
The three standards should not be treated as interchangeable. The appropriate standard depends on what the organization actually does.
AS 9100 Certification Requirements
The requirements extend beyond a basic quality-management system.
Risk and Product Safety
Organizations need processes for identifying and controlling risks that can affect aerospace products, services and customers.
Configuration Management
Product configuration and applicable requirements need to remain controlled through relevant stages of the operation.
Traceability
Where required, materials, components, products and records need to remain traceable.
Supplier Management
External providers must be evaluated and controlled according to their role and associated risk.
Counterfeit-Part Prevention
Applicable controls should reduce the possibility of counterfeit or suspect parts entering the aerospace supply chain.
Production and Service Control
Production and service activities need appropriate controls, competent personnel, equipment and verification.
Nonconforming Product
Nonconforming outputs must be identified and controlled so they are not unintentionally used or delivered.
Internal Audit and Improvement
The organization must evaluate its system, identify weaknesses and take appropriate corrective action.
How to Get AS 9100 Certification in Saudi Arabia
The AS 9100 certification process normally follows a structured sequence.
1. Select the Correct Standard
Determine whether AS 9100D, AS 9110C or AS 9120B applies.
2. Define the Certification Scope
Identify the relevant:
- Products
- Services
- Processes
- Locations
- Departments
- Activities
3. Conduct a Gap Assessment
Compare the existing QMS with the applicable aerospace requirements.
4. Implement the System
Address identified gaps and establish the required processes and records.
5. Conduct Internal Audit
Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented system.
6. Conduct Management Review
Management reviews objectives, performance, risks, audit results and improvement actions.
7. Stage 1 Audit
The certification body evaluates readiness and system arrangements.
8. Stage 2 Audit
The certification body evaluates implementation and conformity.
9. Corrective Action
Any applicable nonconformities must be addressed.
10. Certification Decision
Certification is granted after the required review and decision process is completed.
11. Surveillance Audits
Certification is maintained through ongoing surveillance.
AS 9100 Certification Cost in Saudi Arabia
There is no responsible one-size-fits-all price for AS 9100 certification in Saudi Arabia.
The certification cost can depend on:
- Employee numbers
- Number of locations
- Certification scope
- Operational complexity
- Number of shifts
- Manufacturing activities
- Design activities
- Existing QMS
- Outsourced processes
- Audit duration
- Travel requirements
A small aerospace distributor and a multi-site aerospace manufacturer will not require the same audit effort.
For this reason, a proper quotation should be based on the organization's actual certification scope.
AS 9100 Certification Price in Saudi Arabia
Searches such as AS 9100 certification price Saudi Arabia, AS9100 certification cost, AS 9100 certification fees and AS 9100 audit cost generally refer to the same commercial question.
Before requesting a quotation, provide:
- Number of employees
- Number of sites
- Main business activities
- Products or services
- Number of shifts
- Proposed scope
- Existing certifications
- Outsourced processes
This allows the certification body to determine the appropriate audit effort.
AS 9100 Certification Timeline
The time required depends on the organization's readiness.
A company with an established ISO 9001 system may already have many fundamental processes in place. However, aerospace-specific requirements still need to be addressed.
Factors affecting the timeline include:
- QMS maturity
- Organization size
- Number of locations
- Scope complexity
- Internal-audit readiness
- Management involvement
- Corrective-action requirements
AS 9100 Audit in Saudi Arabia
An AS 9100 audit evaluates both conformity and implementation.
Depending on the certification scope, auditors may examine:
- Quality objectives
- Risk management
- Product safety
- Configuration management
- Design and development
- Purchasing
- Supplier controls
- Production
- Inspection
- Testing
- Traceability
- Nonconforming products
- Corrective action
- Internal audits
- Management review
The audit is performed against the agreed certification scope.
AS 9100 Accreditation and Certification Body
Accreditation is an important consideration when selecting an AS 9100 certification body.
Organizations should check:
- Accreditation body
- Accreditation scope
- AS 9100/9110/9120 scope
- IAQG/ICOP participation
- OASIS status
- Auditor competence
- Certification scope
- Certificate verification arrangements
If a customer, OEM, tender or supply-chain contract specifies a particular accreditation route, that requirement should be verified before selecting the certification body.
What Are IAQG, ICOP and OASIS?
IAQG
The International Aerospace Quality Group manages important elements of the international aerospace quality and certification framework.
ICOP
Industry Controlled Other Party (ICOP) is the certification-scheme framework used for aerospace QMS certification.
OASIS
OASIS, the Online Aerospace Supplier Information System, contains information about aerospace suppliers certified under the IAQG aerospace quality-management requirements, together with relevant certification and accreditation information.
For aerospace suppliers, OASIS is an important part of the international certification ecosystem.
AS 9100 and ISO 9001: What Is the Difference?
AS 9100 is built on ISO 9001 but adds aerospace-specific requirements.
| ISO 9001 | AS 9100D |
|---|---|
| General quality-management standard | Aerospace quality-management standard |
| Used across industries | Aviation, space and defense focus |
| General risk controls | Additional aerospace controls |
| General supplier controls | Enhanced aerospace supply-chain controls |
| General quality requirements | Additional aerospace requirements |
| No dedicated aerospace framework | Aerospace-specific requirements |
An aerospace organization may therefore hold ISO 9001 and still need AS 9100 certification if its customers require it.
AS 9110C Certification in Saudi Arabia
AS 9110C certification is intended for applicable aviation maintenance organizations.
It can be relevant to:
- Aircraft MRO organizations
- Maintenance facilities
- Repair organizations
- Overhaul providers
- Component maintenance organizations
- Aviation technical-service providers
- Defense maintenance organizations
Maintenance planning, technical records, competence, tools, equipment, inspection, traceability, product safety and corrective action are among the areas that may fall within the management system.
AS 9110C and GACA Part 145
GACA Part 145 is a separate regulatory framework applicable to repair stations.
It covers requirements relating to areas such as facilities, equipment, materials, technical data, personnel, inspection and maintenance records.
AS 9110C certification does not replace GACA approval where GACA approval is required.
For Saudi MRO organizations, the applicable quality-management certification and aviation regulatory requirements should therefore be assessed separately.
AS 9120B Certification in Saudi Arabia
AS 9120B certification is designed for applicable aviation, space and defense distributors.
It can be relevant to:
- Aerospace distributors
- Aviation spare-parts suppliers
- Aircraft component distributors
- Defense distributors
- Aerospace stockists
- Aviation material suppliers
- Aerospace trading organizations
Particular attention is given to traceability, documentation, supplier controls and prevention of suspect or counterfeit parts.
Can AS 9100D, AS 9110C and AS 9120B Be Certified Together?
Potentially, yes, where an organization genuinely performs activities covered by the respective standards and the certification arrangement supports the combined scope.
For example, a group may operate:
- An aerospace manufacturing division
- An aviation maintenance division
- An aerospace distribution division
The important issue is not obtaining three certificates for marketing purposes. Each standard should correspond to a real business activity and defined certification scope.
AS 9100 and GAMI Requirements
The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) is responsible for regulating, enabling and developing Saudi Arabia's military-industries sector.
GAMI's strategy focuses on military procurement, manufacturing, research and technology, with localization of military industries as a major objective.
AS 9100 certification can support an organization's quality-management capability, but it does not replace GAMI licensing, authorization or other applicable military-industry requirements.
Defense suppliers should determine the requirements applicable to their products, activities, contracts and position within the supply chain.
AS 9100 and GACA Requirements
GACA is Saudi Arabia's civil aviation regulator.
Organizations involved in regulated aviation activities may have requirements beyond their quality-management certification.
GACA requirements and AS 9100-series certification should therefore be considered separately.
The practical relationship is:
AS 9100 / AS 9110 / AS 9120
Quality-management certification
GACA requirements
Civil aviation regulatory requirements
GAMI requirements
Applicable military-industry requirements
Customer requirements
OEM, airline, MRO, defense and contractual requirements
Who Needs AS 9100 Certification?
Potential applicants include:
- Aerospace manufacturers
- Aircraft component manufacturers
- Aerospace suppliers
- Precision machining companies
- Composite manufacturers
- Aerospace engineering companies
- Defense suppliers
- Aircraft equipment manufacturers
- OEM suppliers
- Space-industry suppliers
- Aviation equipment manufacturers
- Aerospace subcontractors
AS 9110C may be more appropriate for applicable maintenance organizations, while AS 9120B may be more suitable for applicable aerospace distributors.
AS 9100 Certification for Aerospace Manufacturers
For organizations designing or manufacturing applicable aerospace products, AS 9100D certification can provide a structured framework for managing quality from design and purchasing through production, inspection and delivery.
Typical applications include:
- Aircraft components
- Aerospace structures
- Precision-machined parts
- Composite products
- Aerospace assemblies
- Defense components
- Engineering products
- Space-related products
The final certification scope should describe what the organization actually does.
AS 9100 Certification in Riyadh
Riyadh is an important center for Saudi Arabia's defense, engineering, technology and industrial activities.
Organizations operating in Riyadh may consider AS 9100 where they are involved in:
- Aerospace manufacturing
- Defense manufacturing
- Aerospace engineering
- Aircraft systems
- Precision manufacturing
- Defense supply chains
- Aerospace technology
- Government and defense projects
AS 9100 Certification in Dammam and the Eastern Province
Dammam and the wider Eastern Province are important industrial and manufacturing centers.
Organizations in Dammam, Dhahran, Al Khobar, Jubail and surrounding industrial areas may have opportunities across manufacturing, engineering, defense supply and specialized industrial services.
For organizations based in Dammam, AS 9100 certification can support supplier qualification and quality-management requirements where aerospace or defense customers require an applicable aerospace QMS.
AS 9100 Certification in Jeddah
Jeddah has an important role in Saudi Arabia's aviation, logistics and commercial ecosystem.
Organizations involved in aviation support, aerospace supply, aircraft maintenance, distribution and related services may consider the applicable AS 9100-series standard according to their activities.
For maintenance organizations, AS 9110C may be more appropriate than AS 9100D when the primary activity is aviation maintenance.
AS 9100 Certification Across Saudi Arabia
SCS certification services can support organizations across Saudi Arabia, including:
- Riyadh
- Dammam
- Dhahran
- Al Khobar
- Jubail
- Jeddah
- Yanbu
- Medina
- Taif
- Abha
- Tabuk
- NEOM
- Other industrial and aviation locations
The appropriate standard depends on the organization's activities, not its geographic location.
AS 9100 and Saudi Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia's industrial and defense strategies are creating a stronger domestic supply base.
GAMI's strategy includes the objective of localizing more than 50% of military spending on equipment and services by 2030.
For Saudi aerospace and defense suppliers, this development increases the importance of robust management systems and supplier capabilities.
AS 9100 does not guarantee a government contract, GACA approval or GAMI authorization. Its value is in providing a recognized framework for managing quality and demonstrating organizational capability.
Common Mistakes When Pursuing AS 9100 Certification
Choosing the Wrong Standard
A maintenance organization does not automatically need AS 9100D. Its activities may point toward AS 9110C.
Likewise, an aerospace distributor should evaluate AS 9120B.
Treating AS 9100 as a Regulatory License
AS 9100 certification does not replace GACA approvals or GAMI requirements.
Copying an ISO 9001 System
AS 9100 is built on ISO 9001, but aerospace organizations need to address additional requirements.
Defining an Unrealistic Scope
The certification scope should accurately reflect the organization's actual activities.
Ignoring Customer Requirements
Aerospace customers may have additional contractual or supplier requirements beyond the standard.
Selecting a Certification Body Only on Price
The certification body's competence, applicable accreditation and aerospace certification arrangements are important considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AS 9100 certification mandatory in Saudi Arabia?
AS 9100 is not a blanket legal requirement for every Saudi organization. However, aerospace customers, OEMs, defense contracts and supply-chain requirements may require certification.
What is AS 9100 certification?
It is independent certification of an applicable aviation, space or defense organization's quality-management system against AS 9100 requirements.
What is AS 9100D certification?
It is certification against the D revision of AS 9100.
What does AS certification mean?
AS certification is commonly used as a broad term for aerospace standards such as AS 9100, AS 9110 and AS 9120.
What is aerospace certification?
In the quality-management context, aerospace certification commonly refers to certification against applicable 9100-series aerospace quality standards.
How do I get AS 9100 certification in Saudi Arabia?
Define the scope, select the applicable standard and certification body, assess the existing QMS, implement the required controls, complete internal audit and management review, and undergo the certification audits.
How much does AS 9100 certification cost in Saudi Arabia?
There is no universal price. Cost depends on employee numbers, locations, scope, complexity, shifts and required audit effort.
How long does AS 9100 certification take?
The timeline varies according to company size, scope, existing QMS maturity, locations and audit readiness.
Can ISO 9001 be upgraded to AS 9100?
An ISO 9001 system can provide a foundation, but additional aerospace requirements must be addressed before AS 9100 certification.
Which AS standard is suitable for an MRO company?
AS 9110C is intended for applicable aviation maintenance organizations.
Which AS standard is suitable for an aerospace distributor?
AS 9120B is intended for applicable aviation, space and defense distributors.
Can AS 9100, AS 9110 and AS 9120 be certified together?
They may be combined where the organization genuinely performs activities covered by the applicable standards and the certification arrangement permits it.
Does AS 9100 certification replace GACA Part 145?
No. GACA Part 145 is a separate regulatory framework for applicable repair stations. AS 9100 or AS 9110 certification does not replace a required GACA approval.
Does AS 9100 certification provide GAMI licensing?
No. GAMI licensing and military-industry requirements are separate from AS 9100 certification.
What is OASIS in aerospace certification?
OASIS is the IAQG's Online Aerospace Supplier Information System and contains aerospace certification and supplier-registration information.
Why Choose SCS Certification?
SCS Certification provides independent third-party certification services for organizations operating in Saudi Arabia and international markets.
For organizations considering AS 9100D, AS 9110C or AS 9120B, the certification engagement can be planned around the organization's actual activity and certification scope.
Key considerations include:
- Correct standard selection
- Defined certification scope
- Aerospace audit planning
- Applicable accreditation
- IAQG/ICOP requirements
- Customer expectations
- Surveillance planning
- Recertification
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SCS Certification (Partners)
7713, King Abdulaziz Street
Al Dawasir, Dammam, 32416
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
+966 58 245 8722
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Get Started With AS 9100 Certification in Saudi Arabia
If your organization manufactures aerospace or defense products, provides applicable aviation maintenance services, or distributes aerospace components, the first step is to determine which AS 9100-series standard matches your activities.
SCS Certification can discuss your intended scope, organization size, locations and certification requirements before the certification process begins.
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