Managing the aircraft supply chain is one of the most operationally complex and strategically critical tasks in the aviation industry. This complexity increases significantly in refurbishment and modification projects, where timing, coordination, and traceability directly affect both cost and aircraft availability.
In a market facing growing pressure—from rising passenger numbers to ageing fleets—airlines and OEMs are under constant demand to upgrade existing aircraft while minimising downtime. Efficient logistics in such contexts isn’t just supportive—it’s decisive.
When Airbus needed a logistics partner to support the refurbishment of an A350 test aircraft (MSN 005) at Sabena technics near Bordeaux, ARTS Group was brought in to design and implement a tailored materials management system. The goal: improve traceability, enhance coordination, and ensure full control over the flow of components throughout the reassembly process.
Project Overview
Location and Scope
The refurbishment project was conducted at Sabena technics, a facility known for servicing diverse Airbus aircraft—including the A320, A380, Beluga, and even French government aircraft. The project focused on Section 15 of the A350, where ARTS Group took over key logistics and supply chain tasks during the disassembly and reassembly phases.
Timeline and Team
- Duration: August 2016 to January 2017
- Team: Three ARTS employees with extensive Airbus and A350 programme experience
- Focus: Design and implementation of a local logistics and materials management system specifically for the A350 wing components
Setting Up a Custom Logistics System
Objectives
ARTS Group was tasked with creating a logistics system that would:
- Track all disassembled components with full traceability
- Ensure timely availability of parts during reassembly
- Integrate seamlessly with Airbus' SAP systems
- Manage non-conformities and replacements
- Support clear communication across logistics, procurement, and technical teams
System Features
The logistics solution developed was not an off-the-shelf toolkit—it was a ground-up system designed to reflect the actual sequence and structure of the reassembly process.
Key elements included:
- A newly set up local warehouse with a layout optimised for reassembly flow
- Categorisation of parts by function and installation section
- Real-time tracking of usable, defective, and missing components
- Integration with SAP PEA and SAP PDA for transparent data handling
- Structured handling of non-conformities, including logging and follow-up workflows
Impact
The logistics setup implemented by ARTS Group brought measurable improvements to the efficiency of the aircraft supply chain during the A350 refurbishment. Parts could be retrieved more quickly thanks to a warehouse layout tailored to the reassembly process, which reduced time lost in locating components. Handling errors decreased due to clear categorisation and standardised SAP-based documentation, ensuring each part was recorded and traceable. The system also minimised delays caused by missing or misplaced parts, as real-time inventory visibility allowed issues to be identified and addressed immediately. In parallel, communication between logistics and assembly teams improved significantly, with ARTS employees acting as direct interfaces to resolve deviations and coordinate urgent needs without delay.
Cross-Site Coordination with Toulouse
Before implementation in Bordeaux, the ARTS team visited the Airbus logistics site in Toulouse to align with existing SAP workflows and operational standards. This ensured consistency in processes and reduced onboarding time at the refurbishment site.
The lessons learned in Toulouse were directly applied in Bordeaux:
- Adoption of best practices from Airbus FAL operations
- Standardised documentation procedures
- Integrated communication channels between site teams
This cross-site coordination proved essential for maintaining process continuity and avoiding duplication of effort.
Experienced Staff, Precise Execution
ARTS Group staffed this project with professionals who had deep technical understanding and direct experience with Airbus logistics and production systems. One team member had previously worked on the A350 programme in Hamburg, focusing on adjacent fuselage sections (16 and 18), while the other two brought years of operational experience within Airbus environments.
Their contributions included:
- Coordinating the movement and staging of overhauled components
- Managing urgent procurement needs and part substitutions
- Designing warehouse layout based on technical workflow
- Facilitating communication between procurement and assembly
This high level of expertise allowed ARTS Group to act not just as an executor, but as a strategic interface between all operational stakeholders.
Coordinated Communication: A Decisive Factor
Why Communication Mattered
In any aircraft refurbishment, even small communication gaps can create costly delays. ARTS Group ensured that all logistics-related communication—whether about part availability, damaged components, or urgent orders—was handled directly and promptly.
How It Was Done
- Daily coordination with procurement and assembly leads
- Centralised logging of non-conformities and missing parts
- Real-time updates on stock levels and deliveries via SAP
- Proactive follow-ups to avoid bottlenecks or rework
These practices ensured that logistics supported production, rather than becoming a point of friction.
Delivering Measurable Results for Airbus
By the end of the project, the refurbished A350 MSN 005 was returned to Toulouse on schedule. More importantly, the logistics system implemented by ARTS Group delivered measurable operational benefits:
- Improved traceability of all structural components
- Fewer delays and rework incidents during reassembly
- Clearer coordination between logistics and technical teams
- A scalable model for future refurbishment or modification projects
This wasn’t just a successful logistics deployment—it was a proof of concept for how targeted supply chain expertise can accelerate complex aviation projects.
Part of a Broader Supply Chain Service Portfolio
The Bordeaux project is one example from ARTS Group’s comprehensive Aerospace Supply Chain Management offering. These services are built to operate directly within the environments of OEMs, MROs, and operators—whether in production, maintenance, or asset transition phases.
Core Supply Chain Services
ARTS supports clients through:
- On-site warehouse and materials flow setup
- Inventory analysis and optimisation
- Procurement coordination and transport management
- Repair cycle tracking and component certification workflows
All services are aligned with industry standards (AS 9120, ISO 9001, EN 9100) and designed to integrate directly into existing client systems and processes.
Modular and Scalable
Clients can scale ARTS Group services across multiple locations or functions. This includes:
- Multi-site logistics coordination (as in Bordeaux and Toulouse)
- Temporary workforce support and employee leasing
- Technical aviation consulting for industrialisation and planning
- Work package outsourcing
This modularity makes ARTS a flexible partner—capable of adapting to specific project scopes without losing operational depth.
Key Takeaways: What Made the Project Work
Several factors contributed to the success of the A350 refurbishment project:
1. Tailored System Design
- Warehouse layout aligned with reassembly workflow
- SAP system integration ensured transparency
2. Skilled Personnel
- Team members with Airbus background
- Deep understanding of aircraft structures and supply chain dependencies
3. Strong Communication
- Direct coordination with assembly and procurement
- Fast resolution of NCs and missing parts
4. Cross-Site Alignment
- Lessons from Toulouse applied in Bordeaux
- Standardised processes ensured consistency
Conclusion: Supply Chain as a Strategic Tool
The aircraft supply chain is no longer just a support function—it’s a critical part of operational strategy. In complex projects like aircraft refurbishment, logistics mistakes lead to downtime, while precise coordination can create real value.
ARTS Group’s work on the A350 MSN 005 clearly demonstrates that value. By combining tailored systems, experienced personnel, and integrated communication, ARTS delivered a logistics solution that was practical, scalable, and aligned with Airbus’ high standards.
This is the operational mindset ARTS Group brings to every client: real logistics solutions for real aviation challenges. You want to solve your challenges with ARTS Group? Contact us today.