Airbus is moving to reassure suppliers of their long-term future as partners of the manufacturer as it pushes ahead with its radical Power8 restructuring plan and predicts that partnership agreements for certain sites should be in place by the end of the year. The company has signed a commitment charter aimed at reinforcing its links with its supply base. Suppliers and industry associations have expressed concern that the company's drastic cost-saving drive could harm their businesses.
But Airbus insists: "Suppliers will be more and more integrated in a collaborative mode in the full aircraft development process, from design to after-life recycling, and can therefore count on Airbus in their development through specific support measures, according to their needs."
The charter has received a cautious welcome from supplier representatives: "There will always be a degree of cynicism in the supply chain," says the UK's Society of British Aerospace Companies, but "having a formal and measurable statement of commitment suggests it's a very genuine way to respond to their concerns". The SBAC adds: "Airbus has to change to be competitive, and the only way it can is with the help and support of its supply chain."
Airbus says its commitment to suppliers includes providing them with increased visibility on production plans, developments and business perspectives. The manufacturer will also advise tier 1 partners on the creation of a "long-term oriented network" as part of its drive to transfer risk to tier 1 partners. Airbus also says it will encourage smaller and more specialised suppliers to form flexible alliances, "allowing them to become strong platforms, alongside the tier 1 partners".
Source: Flight International
