For the first time, Airbus has turned to a third-party supplier to manufacture, market and distribute Airbus proprietary spare parts directly to operators.
Under the deal, US-based Mexmil will supply thermo-acoustic insulation blankets that comply with new Federal Aviation Administration regulations on flammability to customers required to replace their existing insulation during heavy C and D checks. From September, all insulation blankets fitted on new aircraft or retrofitted during maintenance will be required to comply with the FAA's new legislation.
The contract between the two companies is set to be finalised "before the summer".
Airbus says the deal will be the first time a supplier assumes responsibility for the "complete supply chain of a range of Airbus proprietary parts right through from manufacture to customer delivery". This approach will "significantly simplify the logistical process" of supplying spare parts to Airbus operators. The spare parts will be designed by Airbus and carry an official Airbus spare part number. Mexmil hopes to cut the cost of spare parts by between 25% and 40% compared with the price listed in Airbus's own spare parts catalogue.
Thorsten Eckhoff, senior director customer process, Airbus spares support and service, says other areas, such as floor panels, are being considered for similar agreements.
Source: Flight International
