Boeing, Southwest, and aviation purchasing portal Aeroxchange completed the aerospace industry’s first parts shipment using a digital authentication certificate in place of a paper record.
The FAA’s Form 8130-3 certifies the airworthiness of aircraft parts and components. The form is paper-based, but recently a battery serviced at Boeing’s product repair services center in Davie, Florida, was shipped through Aeroexchange’s eARC platform using a digital version of the 8130 certificate.
Southwest received the battery at its facility in Dallas and verified its authenticity and airworthiness using the new digital system, making it the first aerospace part processed in this way.
Boeing led the project to develop the digital certificate and secure authorization for its use from the FAA. The manufacturer said the technology is encrypted and secure, and can authenticate an authorized signer’s identity.
“This industry-first shipment reflects Boeing’s dedication to pursuing game-changing solutions through teamwork and partnership,” said William Ampofo, senior vice president of parts, distribution, and supply chain at Boeing Global Services, in a news release. “Together with Southwest Airlines and Aeroxchange, we are transforming how the industry ensures part authenticity and supply chain security.”
Boeing said it started developing the digital 8130 based on recommendations from the Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition, which aims to prevent unapproved parts from entering the aviation supply chain. Boeing, Southwest Airlines, and Aeroxchange are all members of the organization.
Boeing said it will continue rolling out use of the digital 8130 certificate across all nine of its product repair services centers as they receive authorization from the FAA to use electronic systems for recordkeeping.
