Boeing launches industry-first digital airworthiness certificate with Southwest Airlines and Aeroxchange

Boeing, in collaboration with Southwest Airlines and Aeroxchange, has completed the aerospace industry’s first shipment accompanied by a fully digital FAA 8130-3 airworthiness certificate, marking a major step forward in aviation supply chain security and authenticity verification.

The electronic 8130-3 certificate replaces traditional paper documentation with a secure, encrypted file that validates the identity of authorised signers and guarantees document integrity. The inaugural shipment – a serviced battery from Boeing’s repair centre in Florida – was transmitted via Aeroxchange’s eARC™ platform and successfully verified by Southwest Airlines in Dallas.

Boeing’s William Ampofo, Senior Vice President of Parts & Distribution and Supply Chain, called the achievement “a game-changing milestone for parts traceability,” while Southwest’s Landon Nitschke emphasised the security benefits that align with the airline’s “Safety-first culture.”

Aeroxchange CEO Al Koszarek hailed the digital 8130 certificate as a “highly secure, verifiable record” that will help prevent unapproved parts from entering the aerospace aftermarket.

The digital system leverages X.509 encryption, public/private key authentication, and blockchain-ready formats, creating an immutable record of part authenticity. Boeing plans to roll out the technology across all nine of its product repair service centres pending FAA authorisation.

The initiative fulfils a key recommendation from the Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition (ASCIC), underscoring Boeing’s commitment to safety, quality, and innovation in global aerospace operations.