As a crucial part of the global aviation industry, specialised aerospace logistics providers must combine strict compliance with regulatory requirements and a flexible, proactive approach to every delivery. Two seasoned professionals from the logistics team of global MRO provider FL Technics, Raimondo Gramaglia, Head of Sales and Business Development, and Mažvydas Matažinskas, Head of Logistics and Storage, explain how strong partnerships and an adaptable mindset underpin success in this complex and fast-paced sector.
A critically important role in aviation
The aerospace logistics services sector is in robust health. According to the Aerospace Logistics Services Global Market Report 2025, by the Business Research Company, the sector is valued at USD 14.7 billion worldwide and is expected to grow to USD 19.9 billion by 2029.
This growth is hardly surprising, as aerospace logistics fulfils a fundamental need within the aviation supply chain: ensuring that the right aircraft parts reach the right place at the right time. To achieve this, logistics providers in aviation must operate at a level far beyond that required in many other sectors.
“Compliance in our sector is very strict, and we must comply with international regulations. Furthermore, aviation is a highly complex industry, so freight forwarders need to understand it inside out, including the need to adhere to strict operational procedures. Of course, other areas of logistics also involve compliance, but overall, they tend to be more relaxed,” explains Raimondo Gramaglia, Head of Sales and Business Development at FL Technics.
“From an operational standpoint, aerospace logistics differs greatly from standard logistics, because it demands far more precision and operates under much greater urgency”, adds Mažvydas Matažinskas, Head of Logistics and Storage at FL Technics.
Time-critical deliveries for AOGs
That sense of urgency becomes especially acute during an AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situation. Aerospace logistics providers must proactively think through potential solutions to help airlines avoid AOGs and minimise their impact, says Mažvydas.
“Planning ahead is critical, so that when a problem occurs, you are ready. You need to have a range of information prepared in advance: how to collect a part, which flights are closest, and what options are available in terms of onboard couriers, charters, or road transport. Only then can you respond instantly to an AOG situation”, he explains.
“We deal with AOGs frequently, which means we have deep experience with the process and can react accordingly”, continues Mažvydas.
“What’s more, FL Technics has an extensive global network. Last year we were operating in 90 countries. This gives us an advantage in AOG situations, as we know the suppliers, engine shops, and pick-up points in different countries, and we have customs agents and freight forwarders in each one.”
Beyond the technical aspects of handling an AOG, having the right mindset is just as important.
“AOGs are a form of crisis management, and any delay can cost hundreds of thousands. We handle situations like this on a daily basis, and it is our job to manage the pressure, connect the dots, and find the fastest way to resolve the crisis and mitigate its consequences”, adds Raimondo.
Different needs for different clients
Not every case is as urgent as an AOG, with timelines varying depending on the type of client and the nature of the parts being delivered. Aerospace logistics providers support a wide range of customers. By far the largest group is airlines, followed by lessors, MROs, parts traders, and other freight forwarders.
Airlines themselves have diverse requirements. Some operate their own parts hubs, giving them ready access to stock, enabling them to work efficiently within their networks and avoid AOGs. ACMI operators have their own specific needs: their aircraft may be in Europe one week and Asia the next, making it essential to work with agile freight forwarders that have a truly global network.
MROs also have distinct logistical requirements and operating models. For example, in line maintenance, it is crucial to have strategically positioned trucks and to coordinate weekly deliveries to ensure that stock levels of key materials remain consistent.
Getting logistics right for a USD 5 million engine
|It is not only client requirements that vary, but the cargo as well. As Mažvydas explains, all aircraft parts are important, regardless of their size or value.
“We transport aircraft parts ranging in value from USD 30 to USD 5 million, and the average weight is around 10 kg. Because we are connected to an MRO, we handle these parts every day and know them well. That means we know how they must be transported, and what needs to be done in terms of regulatory compliance, such as dangerous goods regulations (DGR)”, he says.
Naturally, moving high-value assets requires specific expertise. Every precaution is taken to ensure that the asset is protected during transportation and loading. However, as Raimondo notes, human error and external factors, such as road accidents, are always a possibility.
“Airlines must be properly informed about their insurance coverage. There are international conventions, like the Montreal Convention, that set out compensation for damages. However, these conventions are insufficient when it comes to covering the full value of the asset”, he explains.
To illustrate the scale of the issue, as of 1 March 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) values one Special Drawing Right (SDR) at approximately USD 1.3132. Under the Montreal Convention, compensation for the destruction, loss, damage, or delay of cargo is capped at 26 SDR per kilogram.
Now imagine a USD 5 million engine weighing 5,000 kg being damaged in transit. Under these rules, the owner would receive just USD 170,716 in compensation, only a small fraction of the engine’s true value
“For this reason, we always recommend that our customers take out additional cargo insurance for transportation and loading. Some airlines do have their own supplementary cargo cover, but many do not, and this is an area that is not well understood”, concludes Raimondo.
Handling predictable and unpredictable challenges
Aerospace logistics is international by nature, which brings certain challenges that are largely foreseeable and can be managed proactively.
Different regions have varying customs regulations, and processes specific to air freight, such as access to airside areas within airports, also differ from country to country. For example, in Turkey, airside access approval typically takes two days, whereas in other countries, clearance is granted more quickly. This requires logistics providers to be both flexible and highly organised, proactively preparing all necessary documents and factoring different clearance times into the delivery schedule.
Beyond these predictable challenges, geopolitical events can also demand adaptability from aerospace logistics providers.
“No matter the challenge, we strive to find solutions to make the delivery, even in situations involving no-fly zones or active conflicts. We keep every option on the table, including road and sea freight. The workload is significant, as we must still follow the manufacturer’s cargo handling instructions while coordinating all parts of the journey, but we remain adaptable”, explains Raimondo.
Strong partnerships
The final piece of the puzzle for successful global aerospace logistics is having a well-established network of reliable partners.
“Finding the right partners is far from easy”, explains Mažvydas. “It takes considerable effort to identify freight forwarders and agents who are certified, knowledgeable, and able to respond quickly in an AOG situation.”
As Raimondo highlights, being part of a consolidated global aviation group is a major advantage.
“Selecting the right partners requires a great deal of oversight. Being part of a large global group provides consistency and access to an extensive network. We are a global group ourselves and a member of Avia Solutions Group, which benefits both our customers and us.”
Prepared for any logistics scenario
As a key player in the global aviation industry, aerospace logistics providers require the network, expertise, and flexibility to meet a wide range of needs, all within a strict compliance framework.
“One delivery might be an engine stand that is not urgently required, in which case it can be shipped by sea over 45 days. The next delivery could be an aircraft part for an AOG that must reach its destination within hours. We understand all of these needs and have the capability to make the right decision quickly for each customer”, concludes Mažvydas.
“It is our responsibility as logistics service providers to know each part, understand how it should be handled, and follow strict operational procedures”, adds Raimondo. “By doing so, we work to ensure a smooth delivery process for our clients, enabling them to keep their fleets flying.”
