Deutsche Aircraft recently revealed its strategies to strengthen supply chain stability in preparation for the D328eco turboprop's market entry during its Deutsche Aircraft Supplier Summit in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany.
The aerospace supply chain is facing several challenges that were discussed at the summit, including material shortages, supplier capacity constraints, logistics bottlenecks and regulatory compliance, particularly regarding sustainability and emissions regulations.
Consequently, Deutsche Aircraft is strengthening long-term relationships with key suppliers by ensuring stable sourcing agreements and collaborating closely to optimize lead times, says Patricia Ferrari, vice president of supply chain.
The OEM plans to expand its sourcing beyond traditional suppliers and increase engagement with emerging aerospace hubs in regions such as South America, India, Africa and Southeast Asia.
“We are leveraging advanced forecasting tools and buffer stock strategies to mitigate disruptions,” Ferrari tells Aviation Week Network, adding that Deutsche Aircraft will prioritize suppliers that align with its own sustainability goals and are committed to investing in eco-friendly production methods.
Another key topic at the summit was the role of technology in improving supply chain efficiency. Ferrari says Deutsche Aircraft is exploring the use of end-to-end supply chain visibility, predictive analytics and artificial intelligence, blockchain for traceability and cloud-based supplier collaboration.
“By integrating these digital solutions, we aim to build a more resilient, efficient and sustainable supply chain for the D328eco program,” she adds.
A global shortage of raw materials, including titanium from Russia, has affected various industries such as aerospace manufacturing. As a result, the industry is expected to shift toward more sustainable manufacturing and production processes.
Ferrari says Deutsche Aircraft is implementing measures to reduce its reliance on scarce raw materials while simultaneously improving its environmental impact. She notes several solutions the company is utilizing to address the issue, including alternative material sources. “We are exploring the use of composites and recycled metals to decrease our reliance on titanium and other critical resources,” she says.
Other strategies include increasing localized Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturing to reduce long-distance transportation, thus significantly lowering CO2 emissions. Energy-efficient production processes are also expected to lower carbon footprints and enhance operational sustainability.
When discussing aftermarket support, Ferrari says Deutsche Aircraft will continue overseeing its aftersales services from its headquarters in Oberpfaffenhofen. The company is developing a new customer support portal for operators, which will be rolled out gradually ahead of the D328eco entry into service.
Ferrari says the portal will offer easy access to after-sales services, including technical support, a web shop for ordering spare parts, technical publications and the ability to book training and simulator sessions. “To enhance the customer experience and minimize lead times, integrated payment services will also be included,” Ferrari adds.
Deutsche Aircraft also plans to eventually add authorized service centers to strengthen the global D328 maintenance network. “Potential partners and locations are currently under review and will be selected based on the needs of our operators and fleet distribution,” says Ferrari.
Deutsche Aircraft's aftersales strategy will also include strategically located spare parts distribution centers, on-site support teams and comprehensive training programs for technicians, pilots and crew.