How is DHL Improving Airbus' Global Logistics Flows?

DHL Supply Chain has announced its renewal and expansion of its contract with Airbus, in a move to better manage its global transport flows.

The partnership, which has existed for nearly 20 years, will help transform global supply chains into more cohesive and valuable systems.

With a shared interest in sustainable operations and driving efficiency, DHL Supply Chain is a dedicated partner for helping Airbus.

A long-lasting partnership

Part of the DHL Group, DHL Supply Chain is one of the world's leading logistics partners, offering solutions to drive resilience and efficiency across its clients' operations. Through the combining of management and value-added services with customised and integrated solutions, DHL Supply Chain ensures the logistics solutions it offers can transform a business for the better.

Offering clean solutions, the logistics provider improves the quality of its customers' operations, while also doing its bit to protect the climate. It is consistently making investments in digital transformation and partnerships which will enhance both customer and employee experience, ensuring it meets trade compliance rulings for each area it operates in.

Now, it has announced the furthering of its partnership with Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer, which will help manage its global transport flows for commercial aircraft activities. The lead transport partnership (LTP) was originally launched in 2008, but has since grown in capabilities.

Airbus is one of the largest aeronautics and space companies in Europe, delivering products and solutions for commercial aircraft, defence and helicopter sectors. Its aircrafts are being developed to be safer, more fuel-efficient and more sustainable. 

“For nearly 20 years, our collaboration with Airbus has been built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to operational excellence," explains Nico Nico Schütz, CEO of DHL Supply Chain France.

"This renewal demonstrates our ability to deliver tailored, scalable supply chain management solutions that support Airbus’ growth, while advancing the digital transformation of its supply chain to meet today’s and tomorrow’s needs.

"Through technological innovation, continuous process improvement, and the mobilisation of all of DHL Group’s expertise, we help enhance Airbus’ visibility and shorten order fulfilment times."

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• Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit - QEII Centre, London, March 4-5
• Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The US Summit - Navy Pier, Chicago, April 21-22

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Prioritising sustainability

DHL aids Airbus with its Inbound-to-Manufacturing and Control-Tower services, as well as offering support with storage, packaging services, general cargo and customs clearance. Throughout the partnership, the companies have worked collaboratively to ensure best quality solutions and support. 

The LTP now encompasses air, sea, road and parcel transport, alongside a 24/7 service for Aircraft on Ground (AOG) operations. This solution is in place to transform supply chains through embedded value creation. Through greater efficiency and both companies dedicated to sustainability, this partnership offers better solutions all around.

DHL has been undergoing a push to implement cleaner fuels within its own and its sub-contractors' fleet, which is mirrored in Airbus' move to use alternative fuel sources.

“In a context where logistics performance must also align with energy efficiency, DHL Supply Chain leverages its full range of expertise to combine technological innovation with carbon footprint reduction," adds Catherine O'Toole, Head of LLP and Transport EMEA at DHL Supply Chain.

"The integration of the new transport management system not only improves planning and reduces lead times but also optimises routes and load factors, helping to cut transport-related emissions. This partnership reflects DHL and Airbus’ shared commitment to accelerating the transition to a more resilient, intelligent, and sustainable supply chain.”

Increasing visibility

DHL Supply Chain manages approximately 350,000 shipments every year, for around 20 Airbus sites around the world. Its centres are focussed in Toulouse, France and Valencia, Spain. Its main priorities are lead times, service quality and regulatory compliance as it oversees a range of services.

Currently, DHL coordinates inbound flows (from suppliers to factories), inter-factory flows (China, US and Europe) and outbound flows (returns to suppliers or any spare parts that are not needed). 

Supply chains are seldom thought about by the consumer, but they play a vital role in consumer demand and satisfaction. As consumer demands have risen over recent years, supply chains have been forced to readjust - particularly as the surrounding geopolitical environment has undergone its own turbulent changes.

As a result, there has been a push for faster speed, but also a shift towards greater transparency, as consumers begin to think more about where they are buying from or who they are partnering with. 

“Supply chain complexity is increasing due to globalisation, increased product variety and technological changes; raising expectations and demands for improved service, greater visibility and control across supply chains," says Rainer Haag, CEO Europe, DHL Supply Chain.

"We are proud to create this visibility for Airbus through our LTP control towers in Valencia, Spain and Toulouse, France, to ensure efficient flows of their manufacturing parts globally.”

This partnership will increase visibility and care throughout the supply chain, as DHL conducts quality control and will handle claims on behalf of Airbus.