DHL Exel Supply Chain sees Aerospace business double

DHL Exel Supply Chain continues its focus on the Aerospace sector, culminating with the AS9120 accreditation for its dedicated Aerospace Hub in Singapore.

The investments in the Aerospace sector have paid off - in 2008, DHL Exel Supply Chain saw its business in the Aerospace logistics sector double in Singapore.

''At DHL, we made a strategic decision a few years ago to focus on the warehousing and supply chain needs in the Aerospace sector in Singapore. We built bespoke capabilities culminating in a multi-customer Aerospace Hub for which we've now achieved the industry's most highly recognized accreditation for quality assurance," said Peet Leong, Managing Director, DHL Exel Supply Chain Singapore.

"The commitment to the aerospace sector has paid off - our Aerospace business grew over 100 percent in 2008, and even with the economic downturn, we're seeing demand maintained at healthy levels in the first quarter of this year."

"Singapore's position as the leading center for the Aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry is a great location to showcase DHL's industry innovations for high-tech specialized segments such as the aviation sector. The handling and transportation of these valuable and sensitive parts are crucial to the aviation business and DHL has grown substantially in providing turnkey solutions for the industry," said Paul Graham, CEO, DHL Exel Supply Chain Asia Pacific.

Singapore now home to industry leading Aerospace Hub

DHL Exel Supply Chain is one of the first 3PL providers in Singapore to achieve the AS9120 certification for the DHL Express & Logistics Center Aerospace Hub. The accreditation is used and supported by the world's leading aerospace companies and also throughout their supply chain partnerships. Presented to DHL by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), a leading certification body for management systems, the accreditation is only awarded to facilities that comply with the stringent requirements of aerospace companies worldwide, in addition to the enhanced regulatory requirements for aerospace distributors.

Established in 2007, the S$2million 45,000 sq ft Aerospace Hub situated near Changi Airport was designed to meet the stringent safety regulations and quality standards set by the aviation industry, reaffirming DHL's commitment to deliver solutions that help customers improve their internal performance and maintain compliance in the Aerospace industry. The services offered at the hub include 24/7 urgent parts dispatch, warehousing, transport and inventory optimization systems.

The AS9120 certification is the latest of DHL Exel Supply Chain's continuous investments in the Aerospace logistics sector in Singapore. Besides the Aerospace Hub, DHL established an Aerospace Support Team in Singapore in 2006, which comprises experienced industry and logistics specialists trained in aviation-related legislation. This customer service and support team provides full call-center based solutions to track aerospace customers' Aircraft -On-Ground (AOG), and regular day-to-day requests across seven languages - English, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Spanish and Cantonese.

Singapore offers new opportunities in the Aerospace logistics industry

DHL Exel Supply Chain's renewed focus on Singapore's aerospace logistics is strategic as the industry is expected to maintain its growth momentum. Singapore's Changi Airport is ranked amongst Asia's top five for total air cargo volumes handled and Singapore has, over the years, established itself as the preferred logistics and supply chain management hub for leading players across industries.

While Singapore is recognized as the number one center in Asia for Aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), the country is also seeing a growing number of aerospace design and manufacturing operations established here.

"We service major Aerospace customers including MROs, Original Equipment Manufacturers, engine and aircraft manufacturers who have established Singapore as their manufacturing and trading site. Despite the economic downturn, we expect more opportunities arising in the aerospace logistics industry as companies need to rationalize their costs," added Peet Leong.

"Faced with a tight credit situation in the current economic climate, we see many Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) players developing a renewed focus on their core competency and revenue generating activities. Tight cost measures mean providers like DHL can offer such value propositions in terms of economies of scale, and operating expense options to help aerospace customers," Leong added.

For over 30 years, DHL has built a wide set of solutions for serving the Aerospace production and aftermarket activities in Singapore that spans the entire supply chain from planning, consultation, transportation, storage and distribution services to integrative management, data administration and e-commerce. DHL has an extensive network serving over 220 countries and territories, and streamlined supply chain approach that combines logistics, airfreight, ocean freight and express services.