Boeing completes first digital FAA parts shipment with Southwest and Aeroxchange

Boeing, Southwest Airlines, and Aeroxchange have executed the aviation industry’s first shipment of aircraft parts accompanied by a fully digital FAA Form 8130-3 Authorized Release Certificate. The digital certificate replaces traditional paper forms, leveraging encrypted files and blockchain-ready formats to verify authenticity and ensure part airworthiness throughout its lifecycle.

The first shipment under the programme involved a battery serviced at Boeing’s Davie, Florida repair centre. It was transmitted via Aeroxchange’s eARC platform and received by Southwest Airlines in Dallas, where electronic verification confirmed the component’s authenticity and compliance with FAA standards.

The initiative strengthens supply chain security, aiming to prevent unapproved parts from entering the aviation aftermarket—a key concern for the industry. Boeing led the pilot project, gaining FAA approval for electronic recordkeeping, signatures, and manuals. The company plans to roll out digital certification across its nine product repair service centres pending regulatory authorisation.

Industry leaders emphasise that digital FAA certification offers faster, more secure processes, reducing the risk of errors or fraudulent documentation. Southwest Airlines highlighted the alignment with its safety-first culture, while Aeroxchange underlined the verifiable, end-to-end record of part authenticity enabled by the technology.

This development also reflects recommendations from the Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition, which advocates for modernised approaches to strengthen aviation supply chains. The collaboration sets a benchmark for electronic documentation, demonstrating the potential of digital solutions to improve operational efficiency and compliance in aircraft maintenance.

Explore how digital FAA certification is transforming supply chain security and operational efficiency in aviation by reading the full article.