Ensuring Quality in Aerospace and Aviation Logistics

As the aerospace and aviation industry ramps up production to meet growing demand, logistics and supply chain management challenges become more pronounced. The global industry is currently worth around USD $838 billion and it is predicted that aircraft numbers will double within the next 15-20 years. 

This is sure to put additional pressure on aerospace and aviation logistics – more airplanes mean more manufacturing and maintenance. It is also an extra layer of demand on a supply chain that already supports the maintenance of increasingly aging fleets.

As quality directly impacts safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency, it is a non-negotiable aspect of the aerospace and aviation industry. Aircraft parts must adhere to strict regulatory standards set by authorities like the FAA and EASA. This is not just about adhering to rules—it is also about the safety of millions of people travelling by air each year. Reliable logistics processes are integral to every organization’s quality management system, ensuring compliance in every part of the supply chain.

At DHL Global Forwarding, we have implemented rigorous internal processes and handling protocols to prevent damage at each stage of transportation. The parts we handle arrive in perfect condition, without compromise to their integrity, and ready for installation. This approach removes flight safety concerns and maintains airworthiness. And to keep everyone updated with the latest regulatory changes, maintaining our commitment to excellence, we undertake regular audits and continuous staff training.

Not only is it essential for cargo to be protected by appropriate processes throughout the end-to-end transportation chain, but also forwarders must maintain full control over subcontractors to mitigate risks. At DHL Global Forwarding, we are committed to delivering even the most time- and shock-sensitive aircraft parts on-time and on-quality. Added to this, we have aligned our operations with the EN/AS 9120 certification requirements—the dedicated certification standard for the distribution of aerospace commodities, including parts, materials, and assemblies. Our Center of Excellence site in Paris has already achieved this certification, and we are working to ensure additional sites comply with this standard as part of our internal certification program.

These and other certification programs are more than just a badge of honor for us; they are a testament to our dedication to quality. Customers know we can handle aerospace components with the highest level of care, regardless of location.

Customers are further assured of our commitment to excellence by our standard operating procedures (SOPs), transportation visibility, and performance management with on-time and on-quality KPIs. DHL Global Forwarding also provides non-conformity management, stringent compliance processes, a highly reliable web platform, and a management policy specific to aerospace and aviation subcontractors.

On-time and on-quality delivery of aircraft parts is critical in this industry. Delays can disrupt production and maintenance schedules, resulting in significant costs.

Performance in logistics means delivering the right part to the right place at the right time. This necessitates a logistics network ready and able to handle the unique challenges of aerospace and aviation. In addition to an unrivalled global network, DHL Global Forwarding offers a wide portfolio of products and solutions, from routine shipment to urgent delivery, ensuring each component reaches its destination efficiently and safely. 

Customer satisfaction has always been a key focus for us and, in the current climate, is more critical than ever before. When pressure is mounting, it is essential to have open and transparent communication. To keep customers informed and maintain confidence in our capabilities, we establish and commit to dedicated KPIs and proven performance management. We enhance transparency and trust with real-time updates using advanced tracking and reporting tools.

In the fast-paced world of aerospace and aviation logistics, quality is paramount and, as demands increase across the industry, our commitment to quality is unwavering. From regulatory compliance to on-time delivery, safety, and performance, every aspect of our operations upholds the highest standards to protect our customers and their reputation. At DHL Global Forwarding, we take pride in delivering excellence, demonstrating that speed is nothing without control.

If you would like to learn more about our offerings, please get in touch with our experts today. Stay tuned for more insights into the aerospace and aviation industry!