Most aviation marketplaces solve only one part of the procurement challenge: helping buyers locate aircraft parts and connect with suppliers worldwide. Established platforms like PartsBase and Inventory Locator Service (ILS) are widely recognised across the aviation industry for their extensive inventory databases and long-standing presence in the market.
However, aircraft procurement does not end once a part is found. Buyers still need to manage shipping, logistics coordination, and documentation through separate processes, which can increase manual workload and slow down operations. For time-sensitive aircraft parts, especially in AOG situations, the logistics stage can determine how fast aircraft return to service.
One platform for parts and shipping
Locatory.com addresses this gap between marketplace search and post-purchase logistics by offering a more integrated approach. In addition to search capabilities for aircraft parts, components, chemicals, consumables, equipment, and other aviation-related products, Locatory.com provides shipping services within the same platform. Through the integrated Shipping Module, buyers can create a new shipping quote or order by entering the required shipment details, including address data, package dimensions, quantity, declared value, manufacturing country, package description, and general shipment description.
Once this information is submitted, buyers can compare express shipping options from major carriers, such as DHL and FedEx, with real-time pricing and delivery timelines directly within the platform. After selecting the preferred option, they can proceed to payment using either a deposit or a card payment and then download the shipping label. In addition, the logistics support team is always on standby to assist clients whenever needed, helping make the process even smoother.
This integrated approach significantly reduces the number of manual steps required to complete a procurement order. What previously required switching between a marketplace, a logistics provider, and carrier portals becomes a single connected process. As Danelee du Plessis from Namibia Instruments & Avionics Sales & Repairs illustrated:
“We have been using Locatory.com shipping services for our aviation parts logistics, and the experience has been excellent. The platform has helped streamline our shipping process by providing reliable courier options, competitive rates, and efficient tracking capabilities. The service has reduced the time spent arranging shipments and has helped us manage logistics costs more effectively. The responsiveness of the team and the ease of coordinating international shipments have contributed to smoother operations and improved turnaround times for our customers.”
The value is visible from the first inquiry stage, where fast response, carrier choice, and clear communication help customers select the right shipping solution quickly. Francisco Dorado, Administration Manager at Orbiparts, shared:
“Working with Locatory’s shipping service has been a seamless experience for our team at Orbiparts. From the very first inquiry, Grantas was quick to respond with competitive pricing options across multiple carriers, making it easy for us to choose the best solution for our needs. The process was straightforward, communication was clear throughout, and the shipment was delivered on time without any issues. It’s the kind of reliable, professional support that makes logistics one less thing to worry about. We look forward to continuing to work with Locatory.com”
Pricing transparency is another important advantage. Through its integrated shipping service, Locatory.com guarantees an average shipping cost reduction of 40%, with savings of up to 80% achieved in selected high-value shipping scenarios compared to standard rates.
These cost reductions are widely visible in customer operations. Svetlana Fodor, Logistics Manager at Fleet Air also highlighted:
“The team is highly responsive, professional, and always willing to help. One of the biggest advantages for us has been the significant reduction in shipping costs. Through Locatory.com courier service system, we have managed to reduce our transportation expenses by more than 50%. We can confidently recommend Locatory.com shipping services to any company.”
Built for aviation logistics
Locatory.com shipping services are designed specifically for aviation procurement workflows, where speed, reliability, documentation, and handling requirements are critical.
With aviation-focused expertise, a global partner network, and an established presence across key aviation hubs, the company supports airlines, MROs, brokers, suppliers, and procurement teams that need reliable movement of aircraft parts, engines, or chemicals worldwide.
Freight transport services at Locatory.com include:
- Sea Freight Services – for large-volume aviation shipments and long-lead-time supply chain planning, offering cost-efficient movement of bulk cargo.
- Road Transport Services – for regional and international routes, including first-mile and last-mile logistics.
- Air Freight Services – for high-value and time-critical aviation shipments.
Alongside, Locatory.com shipping service offers specialised capabilities for complex aviation logistics:
- Time-critical shipment support - including AOG, NFO, and OBC solutions, where standard delivery timelines are not sufficient.
- Cross-border coordination - with support for customs clearance documentation across multiple jurisdictions, helping reduce delays and ensure compliance.
- Dangerous Goods (DG) handling- for shipments requiring special packaging and documentation in line with international safety standards.
- Additional insurance – for high-value shipments, providing added protection throughout the logistics process.
Beyond the capabilities, customers consistently point to the value of a dedicated team that takes ownership when shipments become complex. As Wagdi Abutalib, Founder of Exponair, shared:
“We have had a very successful experience using Locatory.com shipping services. Their team has consistently provided reliable and efficient logistics support, helping us streamline our shipping operations and reduce turnaround times. The service has been professional, responsive, and cost-effective.
We truly appreciate the dedication and customer-focused approach of the Locatory.com Shipping team. They are always available to support us, especially when shipments are challenging, urgent, or critical. Their willingness to go the extra mile and respond quickly to demanding situations has made them a trusted logistics partner for our business.
Hats off to the entire Locatory.com Shipping Services section for their outstanding commitment and exceptional service”
For customers managing recurring aviation shipments, the benefit is also clear in day-to-day operations. Olga Kromm, Order Administration & Logistics Assistant at Aviationscouts Logistics, noted:
“Aviationscouts Logistics Team has been using Locatory.com shipping services for some time now, and their service has been a valuable support to our business. The platform works smoothly, helps us reduce shipping costs, and shortens transit time. We highly recommend their services to companies looking for a dependable and cost-effective logistics solution.”
Case study: When standard freight is not enough
Recently, Locatory.com shipping service team managed a case when a private jet was grounded in Abuja, Nigeria, due to a failed component approximately the size of a coffee mug. The aircraft was ready. The crew was available. The issue was not weather, airport restrictions, or permits. One critical part was missing, and until it arrived, the aircraft could not return to service.
The replacement component was located in Texas. Every hour on the ground increased the cost of the disruption, quickly making the value of the part itself secondary to the urgency of getting it delivered.
For this shipment, standard options were not suitable. Conventional air freight would take too long. A dedicated charter would not be commercially practical for a small component. The situation required a faster, more flexible solution.
Locatory.com shipping team assessed the urgency, destination, routing options, and available transport methods. Within 30 minutes, a solution was arranged: an On Board Courier who could personally carry the component on passenger flights and hand-deliver it to the destination.
The route required four flight segments:
Kansas City to Atlanta -> Atlanta to Paris -> Paris to Lagos -> Lagos to Abuja for final delivery
It was not the simplest route on paper, but in AOG logistics, the best solution is not always the most direct one. It is the route that gets the component to the aircraft in the shortest achievable time while keeping the shipment controlled and traceable throughout the journey.
This case demonstrates the value of proactive aviation logistics support. Locatory.com strength lies in combining aviation procurement knowledge, global logistics partnerships, and dedicated customer support.
A more connected procurement experience
Aviation procurement has evolved significantly in the past decade, from phone calls and fax-based RFQs to digital marketplaces with global inventory visibility. The next logical step is closing the distance between sourcing and logistics, treating them as a single process.
The goal is not simply to add a logistics feature to the marketplace. It is to reflect the way aviation procurement actually works – as a single operational process where sourcing and logistics are inseparable, and where every extra step between them carries a cost.
For customers, the practical value is clear. Faster purchasing decisions. Reduced administrative burden. Complete visibility of multiple carrier offers in one place. Lower transportation costs through negotiated carrier rates. And better operational continuity.
Pierre Chamoun, Managing Director at ABC Aero, noted:
“We have been using Locatory.com’s shipping services for nearly a year and are very pleased with the experience. The platform is easy to use, the rates are competitive, and the customer service is consistently responsive and professional. Their flexibility and efficiency have helped simplify our logistics process and save valuable time”
Aircraft parts procurement no longer needs to stop at search. PartsBase and ILS remain valuable and well-established marketplaces for locating aviation inventory, but today’s procurement teams often need more than visibility alone. Once a part is found, the next challenge is getting it delivered quickly, reliably, and cost-effectively.
This is where Locatory.com goes further. By bringing aircraft parts search and integrated logistics support into one connected platform, Locatory.com helps aviation companies reduce manual coordination, save valuable time, and manage shipments with greater confidence. In a sector where every delay can affect aircraft availability, Locatory.com offers a more complete way to source, ship, and keep operations moving.
