1. Definition – Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)
Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) is a structured and continuous approach to ensuring product quality. The methodology is based on proven project management principles and supports the entire product development process.
The objective of APQP is to ensure comprehensive planning of new products or product changes and to guarantee that all phases of product realisation are completed on time and in accordance with quality requirements.
The normative basis is AS/EN 9145 – Requirements for Advanced Product Quality Planning and Production Part Approval Process.
APQP within the Product Development Process (PDP)
APQP is closely integrated with the Product Development Process (PDP) and systematically supports it. It:
Ensures that all activities are executed on time and in compliance with quality requirements
Facilitates effective communication among all stakeholders
Enables early identification, resolution, and elimination of issues
In addition, APQP applies to each relevant component within the product breakdown structure and standardises outputs across each APQP phase.
Project progress is assessed through defined reviews, such as:
- Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
- Critical Design Review (CDR)
These reviews evaluate both the timing and the quality of required deliverables.
Within APQP, established methods such as FMEA, QFD, and quality management plans are applied. These support a structured and traceable assessment of risks and requirements, with flexibility for project-specific adaptations.
The phases and elements of APQP are fully aligned with the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 748/2012, Part 21, and support the structured implementation of regulatory requirements—for example in certification programmes, qualification of parts and systems, prototyping, and supplier evaluation.
2. Phases of APQP
3. Suitability of APQP
The APQP approach is generally suitable:
- For both new and ongoing projects
- For new products as well as product changes
APQP provides transparency regarding project progress, risks, and quality requirements—regardless of the development stage.
4. Our APQP Services
We support you in the implementation and application of APQP in accordance with AS/EN 9145 and guide your projects in a structured and practical manner.
Our services include:
- Training of your personnel on AS/EN 9145 “Requirements for Advanced Product Quality Planning and Production Part Approval Process”
- Evaluation of your projects based on AS/EN 9145 requirements and defined criteria—using structured checklists aligned with EAQG guidelines and taking aviation regulatory requirements into account
- Analysis of potential weaknesses in planning and execution, as well as development and support of appropriate corrective actions