Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has appointed CEVA Logistics to operate a new European Parts Distribution Centre at London Heathrow Airport.
The new facility will support Gulfstream customers in the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe and the Nordics with urgent high-usage items. It will also provide rapid-response support for technicians from Gulfstream’s service centre at London Luton Airport and Gulfstream Field and Airborne Support Team (FAST) members based throughout Europe.
The facility replaces a previous operation at Madrid Airport. Its new location at London Heathrow provides access to the largest number of direct, non-stop flights available from any airport in Europe; this means Gulfstream will be able to quickly deliver parts and materials to customers. Since 2008, Gulfstream’s European fleet has almost doubled, from 109 aircraft to more than 200.
The new facility, operated by CEVA within its main London Heathrow complex, comprises approximately 8,000 square feet of dedicated space, and is operational 24/7/365. It is Customs-bonded, providing Gulfstream with the opportunity to eliminate duties on inventory being held for re-export. In addition to operating the facility, CEVA will take care of all imports, exports, ground transportation and Customs procedures.
CEVA has worked with Gulfstream for over 10 years in the USA, where it has provided domestic and international freight management from its Atlanta facility. Says CEVA’s General Dynamics account manager, Steve Hunt: “We are delighted that our proposal to operate the new European Parts Distribution Centre for Gulfstream has been accepted.
“In addition to supporting Gulfstream’s European fleet, we are able to provide instant dispatch to all other Gulfstream locations around the world, so that use of available inventory can be optimised. We appreciate the critically-important nature of this new operation, and look forward to providing Gulfstream with a round-the-clock service that will further enhance its customer service reputation.”
The new European Parts Distribution Centre is expected to hold over US$50 million in parts inventory by the end of 2015.
