Airbus Helicopters' progressing Blade Repair Facility in North America unveiled
Airbus Boosts Blade Shop Capabilities and Customer Service in North America
Airbus, a global leader in the aviation industry, is set to enhance its customer care services in the U.S. and Canada with a significant expansion of its Blade Shop. The relocation to a larger facility will mark a 50% expansion of the current shop, as part of the company's commitment to precision, skill development, and enhanced customer service.
The Blade Shop, renowned for its intricate work with fiberglass tolerances as thin as one millimeter, will be staffed by a team of skilled technicians. The current workforce is a mix of veteran and newer technicians, with approximately one-third having over 20 years of experience, another one-third having between 5 to 19 years, and the final third having less than 3 years of experience. The training duration for an Airbus Blade Shop technician is extensive, with it typically taking 2 to 3 years to become fully proficient and 6 to 7 years to attain expert-level skills.
The expansion plans include a substantial Blade Transformation Plan aimed at increasing local repair capabilities by 30% and reducing Turn-Around-Time (TAT) by 50% by 2028. This plan also includes the strategic investment in new tools, upgraded equipment, and digital planning software for Work-In-Progress (WIP) management. The relocated Blade Shop is set to be fully operational by mid-2026.
This expansion is a testament to Airbus's commitment to customer proximity and local repair capabilities. The investment in digital planning software will optimize workflow management, ensuring efficient and timely service for customers. For those interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the Blade Shop, a "Day in the Life of a Blade Tech" video is available for viewing.
In summary, Airbus's expansion of its Blade Shop reflects its dedication to precision, skill development, and enhanced customer service in North America. With a focus on reducing TAT, increasing local repair capabilities, and implementing digital planning software, Airbus is poised to offer the highest level of customer care in the U.S. and Canada.
[1] Source: Internal Airbus Data, 2022.
Airbus's expansion of its Blade Shop, which focuses on reducing Turn-Around-Time (TAT) and increasing local repair capabilities, is part of its commitment to the finance industry, as these improvements will help lower costs and increase efficiency for customers. The strategic investment in new tools, upgraded equipment, and digital planning software is also indicative of Airbus's commitment to technology, aiming to provide the highest level of service in the aerospace industry.