The UK's Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) and the US Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) have signed a "milestone" agreement aimed at speeding electronic commerce between companies, reducing the considerable time needed for legal work surrounding new contracts.
Claimed to be the first of its type in any industry, the Global Trading Partner Agreement (GTPA) is a template designed to provide the specific terms and conditions necessary to define the electronic transmission of data. The GTPA was developed by the two bodies to support e-trading between prime contractors and suppliers. Initially, it would apply only to US and UK companies, but according to John Bezant, BAE Systems e-business commercial consultant: "We're trying to promote it and we're working with various international organisations and associations to do so." He adds that the GTPA principle has been supported by the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business. "We're talking to them about accepting this as a standard draft," he says.
The scheme follows the introduction of the Exostar e-exchange four years ago by five major aerospace manufacturers to provide an internet-based connection for electronic security and commerce aimed at simplifying the procurement process. The GTPA template can be viewed on the AIA and SBAC websites.
JULIAN MOXON / LONDON
Source: Flight International
