DHL and Airbus join forces
Airbus (EADS Group) has selected DHL Solutions, logistics arm of Deutsche Post World Net, to supply logistics services related to the manufacture of wing struts and the supply of maintenance kits and spare parts, and the assembly of the future A380 “superjumbo”.
The goal is to optimise the supply of spare parts to airline companies and the Airbus production line in Toulouse using a logistics system based on the proximity of storage and assembly facilities.
Since the end of 2004, DHL Solutions teams have been operating at three sites:
– A380: J.L. Lagardere Airbus assembly plant An on-site DHL Solutions team of twenty people is responsible for receiving drivers and unloading equipment and tools for the assembly of the A380.
These parts are subsequently routed to the appropriate workstations or Airbus engineers.
Elisabeth Philipps, head of industrial market development at DHL Solutions, explains: “Our team is present alongside the production line to ensure that parts, sometimes including complete aircraft sections, are routed as rapidly as possible.”
DHL Solutions will develop its activities over the next two years in response to the construction and delivery requirements of the A380. The first flight of the world’s largest passenger plane, measuring 24.1 metres high and 79 metres long on two levels and with seating capacity for over 400 passengers, is scheduled for the beginning of 2005. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2006.
– All Airbus aircraft: DHL Solutions “Eurocentre” warehouse at Saint Jory, Toulouse A 3000 sq. m area is dedicated entirely to Airbus. The logistics for kits (sets of items required for aircraft modifications) and spare parts (items delivered individually) are handled at this centre. DHL Solutions oversees the unloading, receipt, storage and preparation of kits and spare parts.
They are subsequently dispatched to airlines across the world to be used in the maintenance of their Airbus aircraft. In order to provide this service within a very short timeframe, DHL Solutions has established four levels of urgency with delivery times ranging from four to forty-eight hours.
– Wing strut assembly for the entire Airbus fleet: Airbus site at Saint Eloi, Toulouse A DHL Solutions centre, covering approximately 500 sq. m, has been set up within the aircraft wing strut assembly plant. Materials, parts, equipment, hardware, semi equipment and small tools originating from suppliers, subcontractors or other Airbus sites are unloaded, received, stored and prepared at this centre before being shipped to subcontractors or Airbus.
The services provided by DHL Solutions are managed using the Airbus SAP system.
This new Airbus contract reinforces the position DHL Solutions holds as a major player in industrial logistics, especially in the aeronautics industry, where the company is keen to develop its activities. DHL Solutions has already demonstrated its expertise in the market and effective on-site management at TRW, Delphi, Air France Industries, Renault and Valeo.
