Boeing said it achieved an annual "record" for e-commerce parts sales last year with more than US$2 billion in online orders.
In a statement, the American planemaker said this was fueled by investment in digital tools, Boeing Distribution Inc. (formerly Aviall) which sold nearly 70,000 parts products through its e-commerce site to commercial and government customers, eclipsing pre-pandemic levels.
Commercial orders accounted for US$1.5 billion in sales, reflecting the continued recovery in the airline industry, Boeing added.
"Our US$2 billion closeout to 2021 was a great capstone as the market heads to a more stable recovery," said Ted Colbert, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Global Services, at the Singapore Airshow. "Our e-commerce capabilities are a great example of the digital solutions we provide to enable industry recovery and growth."
Boeing Distribution Inc.'s online revenue last year was 15% higher compared to pre-pandemic levels, while orders were 20% higher.
The planemaker noted that the stronger sales came as the company rolled out new tools to improve the customer experience, including a new homepage, a live chat feature, and an online knowledge center.
The refreshed e-commerce parts website, which features over 500,000 products, saw five million visits from 50 countries last year.
"Boeing is improving e-commerce with our customers in mind," said William Ampofo, vice president of Parts, Distribution Services, and Supply Chain, Boeing Global Services, adding that aside from digital tools, the company is also creating a "more streamlined process" for its customers — aligning its strategy, program, and product line management with supply chain and customer support.
"We will continue to focus on digital and performance improvements, along with simplifying how we engage with our customers," Ampofo added.
