Airbus gears up for a robust 2024, reinforcing its supply chain team to navigate ongoing disruptions and support suppliers facing economic challenges.
Steadfast Amidst Supply Chain Turbulence
Airbus, the renowned aerospace leader, is poised to escalate its aircraft production in 2024, notwithstanding persistent supply chain difficulties, as stated by the CEO. The company’s latest financial disclosures showcase a flourishing commercial aircraft division, with an 11% revenue surge to €5.8bn. Ambitiously, Airbus aims to hand over 800 commercial aircraft in 2024, surpassing this year’s goal by 65 units.
Proactive Supplier Engagement
Guillaume Faury, the CEO, highlighted the vigilant oversight of suppliers’ investment and supply chain management to align with Airbus’s production amplification. The company is committed to investing in and refining its global industrial framework and supply chain. Spirit AeroSystems, a principal supplier for both Airbus and Boeing, has been grappling with financial setbacks. Airbus is actively engaging in contractual discussions with Spirit, focusing on enhancing industrial competencies over direct financial aid.
Supply Chain Team Expansion
In response to supply chain volatility, Airbus has significantly expanded its supply chain management team by 150% in the past two years. The company has also stationed supply chain experts at critical supplier locations to monitor and support suppliers facing economic duress, ensuring a resilient supply chain.
Navigating Complexities
Faury acknowledged the intricate nature of managing a vast supplier network and the ongoing efforts to maintain production ramp-up amidst a challenging operational landscape marked by supply chain snags and geopolitical strife. He considers the progress in production levels amidst these conditions a notable accomplishment.
Airbus and Supplier Dynamics
It’s important to note that Airbus maintains direct ties with select suppliers for airline programs, with many parts classified as ‘buyer-furnished equipment.’ This often requires Airbus’s clientele to assist in mitigating supply chain disruptions.
About Airbus
Established in 1970 and headquartered in France, Airbus is a global titan in the aerospace industry, rivalling Boeing in market leadership. With a global footprint of production and assembly facilities, Airbus’s product line extends across commercial aircraft, including the A320, A330, A350, and A380 series, as well as military planes, helicopters, and defense and space services.
