DHL Supply Chain confirms the renewal of its contract with Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer, to manage and orchestrate its global transport flows for its commercial aircraft activities. This lead transport partnership (LTP), launched in 2008, now encompasses air, sea, road, and parcel transport, as well as a dedicated 24/7 service for critical AOG (Aircraft on Ground) operations. DHL’s LTP solution is designed not just to manage supply chains, but to transform them through embedded value creation.

Each year, DHL Supply Chain manages nearly 350,000 shipments for around twenty Airbus sites worldwide, from its centres of expertise in Toulouse, France and Valencia, Spain. Services include coordination of inbound flows (from suppliers to factories), inter-factory flows (Europe, United States, China), and outbound flows (spare parts, returns to suppliers), with a strong focus on lead times, service quality, and regulatory compliance.

DHL Supply Chain will also continue to manage carrier contracts, lead transport tenders, conduct quality control, and handle claims on behalf of Airbus.

A partnership strengthened by innovation and sustainability
“Supply chain complexity is increasing due to globalisation, increased product variety and technological changes, raising expectations and demands for improved service, greater visibility and control across supply chains. We are proud to create this visibility for Airbus through our LTP control towers in Valencia, Spain and Toulouse, France, to ensure efficient flows of their manufacturing parts globally,” said Rainer Haag, CEO Europe, DHL Supply Chain.

“For nearly 20 years, our collaboration with Airbus has been built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to operational excellence. This renewal demonstrates our ability to deliver tailored, scalable supply chain management solutions that support Airbus’ growth, while advancing the digital transformation of its supply chain to meet today’s and tomorrow’s needs. Through technological innovation, continuous process improvement, and the mobilisation of all of DHL Group’s expertise, we help enhance Airbus’ visibility and shorten order fulfilment times,” said Nico Schuetz, CEO of DHL Supply Chain France.

Catherine O Toole, Head of LLP and Transport EMEA, added, “In a context where logistics performance must also align with energy efficiency, DHL Supply Chain leverages its full range of expertise to combine technological innovation with carbon footprint reduction. The integration of the new transport management system not only improves planning and reduces lead times but also optimises routes and load factors, helping to cut transport-related emissions. This partnership reflects DHL and Airbus’ shared commitment to accelerating the transition to a more resilient, intelligent, and sustainable supply chain.”