AEROSPACE
LOGISTICS
parts has increased, as a result of the use of composite materials.
“It is a challenge for us because the raw material is basically a
perishable product. It’s temperature sensitive and has a limited
life expectancy. You need to plan and monitor this carefully,”
says Largeau.
“The fi nished product is also a challenge. It’s bulky but
also light, which makes it a challenge to accommodate it,” he
continues.
Additive manufacturing
Another trend that is poised to revolutionise the aerospace
industry is the rising prominence of additive manufacturing.
Largeau says the scope is still relatively small at this stage, but
he can see the appeal to original equipment and component
manufacturers.
“Parts are getting more and more complex, and the size of
inventory batches is relatively small. It makes a lot of sense,”
he refl ects.
Airbus is incorporating additive manufactured parts on its
A350 aircraft. In addition, it is digitally redesigning components
for other types. This is particularly helpful for older aircraft no
longer in production. However, the manufacturer points out that
extensive redesign work is necessary to produce parts in that way
that were not designed to be made in this fashion.
Schenker has engaged in additive manufacturing itself to
support some of its customers, but not much for the aerospace
sector. “What we’re doing is limited to plastic parts and small
batch parts,” says Largeau.
His company is expanding its engagement in aviation
logistics. “We’re going into the infl ight services sector. We
provide materials that are required on board,” he says. This goes
all the way to beverages, although food is handled by the caterers
themselves.
“A lot of forwarders specialise in aerospace but have never done
a charter. Usually next fl ight out works for them,” remarks Hill.
Air Partner was the fi rst of the major brokers to add OBC
service to its portfolio, which has since become pretty much
universal in the charter fi eld.
Largeau fi nds that On Board Courier works well, especially if
there are issues with the shipment clearance at destination. On
the other hand, it is quite expensive and limited in the types of
cargo that can be moved by a courier.
The growth of the sector and the margins have attracted a
growing number of forwarders. Largeau fi nds that competition
has defi nitely increased, which he attributes to mounting
volumes and an appealing outlook.
“It’s good incremental business. The revenue is more
attractive,” says Haltmayer.
As a mid-sized forwarder, QCS does not have the proprietary
network to play in this market, but it is a long-standing member
of the Aerospace Logistics Group, a global alliance of independent
forwarders founded in 2007.
“You need somebody at the other end who can take the
delivery and who knows how to move an engine on the road,”
adds Haltmayer. “I can tell my
customer I have a partner 24/7
at destination who can deliver
to the tarmac.”
At their meeting during
this year’s Paris Air Show,
the members agreed to
create an app that allows
clients to access information
from smartphones. Another
objective is the development of
electronic quoting capabilities.
“The group tries to
participate more in global
tenders,” explains Haltmayer.
“We want to develop a quoting
tool so we can give offers
around the clock. We want to
create a database so we can
give pricing 24/7.”
Finally, an ability to trim
costs and inventory would also
be welcomed with open arms.
“OEMs rely heavily on us to
reduce their inventory levels,”
remarks Largeau.
To some extent this makes
slower transportation modes
more attractive. Under its
contract with Airbus to
supply the manufacturer’s
production plant in Alabama,
for example, Schenker has
used Airbus’ ocean-going
vessels to move A320 subassemblies
across the Atlantic
for fi nal assembly.
Although bulky loads are quite often encountered,
tiny parts and other fi xtures are also transported
OEMs rely
heavily on us
to reduce their
inventory levels
Tanguy Largeau, Head of Vertical
Market Aerospace, DB Schenker
38 October 2019 www.airlogisticsinternational.com
/www.airlogisticsinternational.com