# NFT-Based Framework for Digital Twin Management in Aviation Component Lifecycle Tracking
## 1 Introduction  
### Background and Motivation  
The aviation industry depends on a diverse network of stakeholders to manage the lifecycle of aircraft components, ensuring that each part meets high standards for safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. These stakeholders--including suppliers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) [1], airlines, Continuing Airworthiness Management Organizations (CAMOs) [2], and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers [3]--each play a crucial role at various stages. However, the systems they use for component tracking are often fragmented, relying on isolated databases and sometimes even on paper-based records, leading to a lack of data integration and transparency [4; 5]. Each stakeholder's role contributes uniquely to component lifecycle management. Suppliers initiate the component lifecycle, assigning unique identifiers and certifications, yet their visibility into the component's status diminishes once the part is distributed [6]. OEMs handle design, initial certification, and quality control, yet often lack direct access to data generated during later operational phases. Airlines, which are responsible for operational data and maintenance schedules, require real-time access to component information to minimize unplanned maintenance and downtime [7]. CAMOs ensure that the parts remain compliant with airworthiness standards, often struggling with limited data integration from other stakeholders [8]. Meanwhile, MRO providers rely on accurate records for inspections and repairs but face challenges in accessing a complete component history due to disjointed data-sharing practices [9]. This fragmentation complicates comprehensive component tracking, regulatory compliance, and overall operational efficiency, creating a need for an integrated solution that addresses the limitations of isolated systems. Digital twin technology offers a solution by creating virtual models of physical assets, enabling stakeholders to monitor component conditions and simulate performance in real-time [10]. This approach supports predictive maintenance and helps reduce downtime by providing stakeholders with detailed insights into each asset's current state [11]. However, digital twins alone do not provide the secure, unique, or immutable identities necessary for reliable tracking across multiple stakeholders [12], nor do they inherently ensure data integrity or prevent tampering, which is particularly important in the highly regulated and safety-critical aviation sector. In this context, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) present a transformative approach that addresses these issues by establishing unique, blockchain-based digital identifiers for each component [13]. Unlike traditional identifiers, NFTs offer several specific advantages [14; 15; 16] that directly tackle the challenges of fragmentation and traceability in aviation component tracking. First, each NFT serves as a permanent, unalterable record of a specific component's lifecycle, from initial manufacturing through every maintenance, inspection, or operational update. Stored on a blockchain, these identifiers are immutable, meaning they cannot be changed or deleted, which helps create a tamper-proof record that all stakeholders can trust. The unique identity provided by each NFT ensures a reliable means of tracking the component across different stakeholders and systems, offering a consistent reference point across each phase of the component's lifecycle. Second, NFTs enhance the provenance and traceability of components. Each stakeholder can view a transparent, verifiable chain of custody, ensuring that a component's complete history is accessible and up to date. For example, when an MRO provider services a part, or an airline installs it into an aircraft, the NFT's record is updated to reflect these changes. This transparency minimizes the risk of counterfeit or uncertified parts entering the supply chain, as each NFT functions as a digital certificate of authenticity.