For MRO Management, Bertrand Drugeon, general manager – Europe, Thales Aviation Global Services, discusses the impact of supply chain challenges in the MRO sector on current service performances and shares how Thales is tackling the issues.

Supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic have had a major effect on businesses worldwide including MRO activities in the aviation sector. This year the industry navigated the perfect storm as global air traffic rebounded, while workforce shortages and parts availability continued to affect MRO performances. Furthermore, the simultaneous challenge of increased passenger traffic with new aircraft builds is driving more customers to invest in spare parts and build their inventory to mitigate these supply chain risks.

Customers at our core

The Thales Aviation Global Services (AGS) team continues to work through these unique market dynamics to secure and stabilise industrial performances and reduce any impact this might have on our customers.

With more than 40 repair and support centres worldwide, Thales facilities are located in close proximity to airline operations globally. This enables us to constantly improve the speed of delivery and access to services.

Sustainability focus

The repair of equipment conducted at Thales support centres is performed near our customers, resulting in reduced transportation throughout the repair process and minimising the environmental impact. As part of our efforts to optimise our operations, we are also focused on sustainability by working to repair, reuse and recycle as many parts as possible.

Digital evolution

The digital evolution of our support activities has been key in enhancing our ability to better serve our customers. Not only does digitalisation provide a more simplified and efficient repair process, but it also allows instantaneous feedback from our customers on their repair needs.

Meeting changing market demands

Throughout the year, Thales has hosted several events around the world, and we have met with hundreds of customers for an open dialogue about our products, innovations and sustainability initiatives.

Thales continues to invest in the expansion of our global MRO footprint and best-in-class facilities, providing premium services to meet the ever-changing market demands.

This advertorial feature was first published in MRO Management – November/December 2023. To read the magazine in full, click here.