Productivity to improve with the consolidation of Airbus' transport and logistics networks

Airbus expects to boost its productivity in the transport and logistics sectors by as much as 20 percent over the next two years thanks to new European partnerships with DHL and Kuehne + Nagel, which will lead to a consolidation of providers and services.

These two companies are helping Airbus streamline its warehouse operations, enhance automation, integrate information technology systems and optimise transport networks across the supply chain.

As part of the consolidation efforts, a streamlined network of six major European hubs will be established, with locations in Toulouse and western France; Hamburg in Germany; Broughton in the U.K.; and Madrid and Puerto Real in Spain.

Prior to Airbus' Power 8 corporate restructuring plan, the company had been operating more than 60 warehouses and managing relationships with some 300 different logistics suppliers and transport providers.

With the overall transport and logistics consolidation, Airbus is to gain major improvements in transportation planning and visibility, which will include door-to-door tracking of shipped items.