EASA Part-IS Explained: What Information Security Means for Aviation and How to Prepare
As aviation continues to digitise, the systems that support flight operations, maintenance, training and oversight are more connected than ever. That connectivity brings clear benefits, but it also introduces new risks. Cyber threats, data integrity issues and system outages now have the potential to affect aviation safety just as seriously as technical failures or human factors.
With EASA Part-IS now in force from October 2025 and further applicability milestones continuing through 2026, the industry is formally addressing these risks through a new regulatory framework focused on information security. Part-IS represents a shift in how aviation organisations view cyber and information security, treating it as a core safety consideration rather than a purely IT-led concern.
For organisations operating under EASA and UK regulatory frameworks, Part-IS is no longer a future requirement. It is a live compliance obligation and a key part of building resilient, safety-focused operations in an increasingly digital aviation environment.
What Is EASA Part-IS?
Part-IS (Information Security) is a regulatory framework introduced by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/203. Its purpose is to ensure that aviation organisations identify, assess and manage information security risks that could impact aviation safety.
In practice, Part-IS brings cyber security, data protection and system resilience into the same regulatory mindset as Safety Management Systems (SMS). It requires organisations to take a structured and proactive approach to protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information used in safety-critical activities.
Rather than reacting to incidents after they occur, Part-IS is designed to embed prevention, monitoring and continuous improvement into everyday operations.
Who Does Part-IS Apply To?
Part-IS applies across a wide range of aviation organisations and authorities, including:
- Air operators (AOC holders)
- Maintenance organisations (Part-145)
- CAMOs
- Design and production organisations
- Aerodrome operators
- Air navigation service providers
- Competent authorities and oversight bodies
If your organisation relies on digital systems, data or networks to support safe aviation operations, Part-IS is likely to be relevant.
While implementation timelines vary by organisation type, the first compliance deadlines begin in late 2025, with broader applicability during 2026. For many organisations, meaningful preparation needs to start well in advance.
Why Part-IS Matters for Aviation Safety
Historically, information and cyber security have often sat outside traditional aviation safety discussions. Part-IS changes that position.
Failures in information security can directly affect areas such as:
- Aircraft maintenance data and technical records
- Operational control and flight planning
- Training systems and competence records
- Safety reporting and regulatory oversight
Part-IS recognises a simple reality: if information cannot be trusted, accessed or protected, safety-critical decisions are compromised.
By formalising requirements, EASA is ensuring that information security:
- Is managed systematically rather than informally
- Aligns with existing safety and compliance frameworks
- Supports operational resilience, not just regulatory box-ticking
The result is a more joined-up, safety-led approach to managing digital risk.
Core Requirements Under Part-IS
Part-IS does not impose a single prescriptive solution. Instead, it sets out a framework that organisations must tailor to their size, complexity and risk profile.
Key elements include:
- Information Security Management System (ISMS):
Organisations must establish and maintain an ISMS that defines how information security is governed, implemented and monitored across the business.
- Risk Assessment and Treatment:
Information security risks must be identified, assessed and mitigated using a structured, documented approach aligned with aviation safety principles.
- Incident Detection and Response:
Clear procedures are required to detect security events, respond effectively and recover without introducing additional safety risk.
- Reporting and Oversight:
Part-IS places emphasis on transparency, internal reporting and regulatory oversight to ensure issues are identified early and managed appropriately.
- Documentation and Accountability:
Roles, responsibilities, policies and procedures must be clearly defined and captured within an Information Security Management Manual.
Together, these elements ensure information security is embedded into operational decision-making, rather than treated as a standalone IT function.
Building Understanding Across the Organisation
One of the biggest challenges with Part-IS is not the regulation itself, but ensuring people understand how information security fits into their day-to-day roles.
Part-IS is most effective when awareness extends beyond IT teams and into engineering, operations, quality, training and management. When everyone understands how their actions affect information security, organisations are better equipped to identify risks early, respond effectively and demonstrate compliance with confidence.
This is where targeted, aviation-specific training can make a real difference.
Bostonair’s Approach to Part-IS Training
Bostonair Group delivers the EASA Part-IS Information Security and Cyber Security Essentials course to help aviation professionals understand what the regulation means in practice.
The course is designed to be practical and accessible, focusing on real-world application rather than technical theory. It helps learners:
- Understand the intent and structure of Part-IS
- See how information security links directly to aviation safety
- Recognise common information and cyber security risks in aviation environments
- Understand individual and organisational responsibilities under an ISMS
- Build awareness that supports effective, sustainable compliance
It is particularly well suited to personnel involved in compliance, operations, maintenance, training, quality and management, including those without a dedicated cyber security background. By building shared understanding across teams, organisations are better placed to implement Part-IS in a way that genuinely supports safety, rather than creating additional complexity.
Find out more about our Part-IS Training course
Preparing for Part-IS Now
Organisations that engage with Part-IS early tend to find the transition far smoother than those who wait until deadlines approach.
Practical early steps include:
- Reviewing existing safety, quality and IT frameworks against Part-IS requirements
- Identifying where information security responsibilities already exist and where gaps remain
- Raising awareness among teams who handle safety-critical information
- Using targeted training to build confidence and consistency across the organisation
Handled well, Part-IS does not add unnecessary bureaucracy. Instead, it strengthens resilience, improves confidence in data and supports safer, more reliable operations.
Information Security Is Now Part of Aviation Safety
EASA Part-IS sends a clear message: information security and aviation safety are inseparable.
As digital systems continue to underpin every aspect of aviation, organisations that take a thoughtful, proactive approach to Part-IS will be better positioned to manage risk, demonstrate compliance and protect their operations long-term. With the right understanding, supported by practical training and a structured framework, Part-IS becomes less of a regulatory burden and more of a natural extension of good aviation safety practice.
Ready to Prepare for EASA Part-IS?
As Part-IS comes into force, building awareness and understanding across your organisation is one of the most effective ways to support compliance and strengthen aviation safety.
Bostonair’s EASA Part-IS Information Security and Cyber Security Essentials course provides a practical, aviation-focused introduction to the regulation, helping teams understand their responsibilities and apply Part-IS principles with confidence.