Digitization of aviation supply chain an opportunity to ascend out of 1950s

The United States' commercial aviation sector, responsible for moving millions of passengers and vast quantities of cargo, operates under a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supply chain system heavily reliant on antiquated paper documentation. This outdated framework, described by U.S. Rep. Brad Knott (R-N.C.) as being "stuck in the 1950s," stifles efficiency, innovation, and poses significant challenges to the industry's ability to integrate modern technologies and maintain stringent safety standards. The current processes are so cumbersome that they become their "own worst enemy," creating a bottleneck for approvals and hindering the swift movement of critical parts and information.

In response to these systemic inefficiencies, U.S. Rep. Knott has authored and filed the Aviation Supply Chain Safety and Security Digitization Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), aims to modernize the FAA's documentation and verification processes by transitioning them to a digital platform. Proponents argue that if computers are trusted to fly planes, they should certainly be trusted to manage critical paperwork, thereby streamlining operations and enhancing the integrity of the aviation supply chain. The bill has garnered early bipartisan and industry support, with leaders from the Aviation Supply Chain Integrity Coalition welcoming efforts to address barriers to digital traceability.

The proposed digitization promises multiple benefits for the commercial aviation industry. A primary objective is to prevent the infiltration of counterfeit parts into the supply chain, a critical safety concern. Furthermore, by reducing reliance on paper, the legislation seeks to cut costs, improve operational efficiencies for airlines and cargo carriers, and accelerate the implementation of new technologies. The initiative directly impacts the estimated 2.6 to 2.9 million daily airline passengers in the United States, promising a more secure, efficient, and cost-effective air travel ecosystem. Despite anticipated resistance to change within the FAA and the inherent challenges of legislative passage, the push for digital transformation underscores a vital shift towards a more resilient and modern aviation infrastructure.