In a significant leap for aviation supply chain security, Boeing, in collaboration with Southwest Airlines and Aeroxchange Ltd., has successfully executed the industry’s first shipment of an aircraft part using a fully digital FAA 8130-3 Authorized Release Certificate. This milestone moves the sector beyond traditional paper documentation, introducing a new standard for verifying part authenticity and combating the entry of unapproved parts into the aftermarket.
The FAA Form 8130-3 is a critical document that certifies the airworthiness and serviceability of aircraft components. By digitizing this form, the partnership replaces vulnerable paper certificates with a secure, encrypted file. This digital solution authenticates the identity of the authorized signer and ensures the document’s integrity cannot be compromised.
The pilot project culminated in the shipment of a battery serviced at Boeing’s facility in Davie, Florida. The digital certificate for this part was transmitted via Aeroxchange’s eARC™ platform and successfully received and authenticated by Southwest Airlines at its Dallas facility.
“This industry-first achievement demonstrates our commitment to pioneering transformative solutions through strong partnerships,” said William Ampofo, Boeing Global Services’ SVP of Parts & Distribution and Supply Chain. “We are collectively reshaping how the industry safeguards part authenticity.”
Landon Nitschke, SVP of Technical Operations at Southwest Airlines, emphasized the safety benefits, stating, “This electronic process aligns perfectly with our Safety-first culture. The enhanced security provided by these verifiable digital forms will be a significant asset for the entire aviation industry.”
The technology underpinning the digital 8130 certificate utilizes robust X.509 security protocols and public/private key encryption, creating an immutable and verifiable record of a part’s authenticity throughout its entire lifecycle. The format is also blockchain-ready, allowing for future technological integration.
This initiative directly supports a key recommendation from the cross-industry Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition (ASCIC). Boeing plans to expand the use of the digital certificate across its global network of product repair centers as each receives FAA authorization, marking a decisive step toward a more secure and efficient aviation supply chain.
