Airbus has selected Swiss logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel to manage exclusively the consolidated regional logistics hubs that the airframer is establishing as part of its Power8 restructuring scheme. As part of a logistics overhaul to be implemented from 1 September, express package specialist DHL will be Airbus's lead transport provider.
The move comes as the airframer evaluates its long-term transport needs (Flight International, 24-30 June). Airbus is concentrating local warehouse facilities into six hubs in France, Germany, Spain and the UK by 2010, which will provide aircraft equipment and material storage areas for the production lines. Kuehne + Nagel will manage the six hubs - in Broughton, Hamburg, Madrid, Nantes-Saint Nazaire, Puerto-Real and Toulouse - under a six-year contract.